The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) has called on state election officials to investigate an alleged cash-for-votes operation in New Hanover County, just days before local voters head to the polls.
Party officials say a registered voter reported being offered $100 in exchange for casting ballots for three Democratic Wilmington City Council candidates.
According to the NCGOP, the voter received text messages promising payment after voting, with instructions to meet a campaign operative near a polling site.
Screenshots shared by the party allegedly showed the messages stating, “After you vote, one of our team members will meet you in her car near your polling place and pay you cash money.”
Party officials said the report surfaced within the last 72 hours and was immediately referred to the State Board of Elections for investigation.
“This is troubling. An allegation of paying a voter and attempting to buy votes in an election is an affront to our shared values,” said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the integrity of honest elections and will continue to work diligently to keep North Carolina elections fair, free, honest, and transparent.”
NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer clarified that the party is not directly accusing the Democratic candidates of orchestrating the alleged scheme.
“Someone is doing it on their behalf, whether they knew about it or not,” he said.
Offering or accepting money in exchange for a vote is a felony in North Carolina, according to The Herald Sun.
State Auditor Dave Boliek said his office has been in contact with election authorities and is prepared to assist with any investigation.
“Our office will provide any additional resources or assistance needed to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will hold any bad actors accountable and give voters confidence in our elections,” Boliek said in a statement, according to WWAY-TV3.
The New Hanover County Democratic Party (NHCDP) accused Republicans of politicizing the allegation.
“When the NHCDP learned about this accusation three days ago, we offered to help get to the bottom of it and disavow any alleged election fraud,” NHCDP Chair Jill Hopman said, per WECT 6. “Instead, the NCGOP orchestrated this fearmongering performance, which underscores their extremism and desperation, mere days before Election Day.”
One Democratic City Council candidate, Cassidy Santaguida, said she immediately reported the alleged scheme to party officials upon learning of it.
“I have run an honest, transparent campaign focused on issues affecting the residents of Wilmington,” she said. “I’ll continue to focus on the needs of our city, and I trust that law enforcement and the NCSBE will investigate the legitimacy of these allegations.”
A spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections confirmed the agency is reviewing the complaint but declined to comment on an ongoing investigation.
The outcome could have significant implications for the Wilmington City Council race and voter confidence statewide.
This is not the first time North Carolina has grappled with alleged election improprieties.
WRAL reports that in 2015, Robeson County officials investigated claims that voters were paid to cast ballots, though no charges were ultimately filed.
A Heritage Foundation review identified 25 documented instances of voter fraud or vote-buying in the state since 2020.
Such historical precedent underscores the seriousness of the New Hanover County allegation and the potential impact on public trust in elections.
