By Rep. Kevin Crutchfield (R-Cabarrus, Rowan), Rep. David Willis (R-Union)

As Republican elected officials serving North Carolina, we are obliged to speak out against a proposal which could undermine one of the fundamental principles of our democracy: the right of the people to vote. Recent comments from Rep. Andy Harris, head of the House Freedom Caucus, suggesting that the North Carolina legislature should consider awarding its electoral votes to Donald Trump before votes are even counted, is troubling and antithetical to conservatives principles. We say this as strong supporters of President Trump and as individuals who believe in his vision for America’s future. But our support for the president cannot come to the cost of fundamental democratic standards. The notion of precertification of voters without counting ballots not only risk violating state and federal laws, but also set a dangerous precedent. He undermines the integrity of the electoral process and ultimately threatens the foundation of freedom and fair elections – something we conservatives must always stand for.

Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the General Assembly worked hard to ensure access to fair elections for those affected. We fought diligently to secure our state’s voters integrity, because it is our duty as elected officials to facilitate the process and ensure that each Eligible voters can vote no matter who they support. But modifying the process by which voters are selected before the votes are counted is not the solution – it is a step towards government overreach and a dangerous deviation from our constitutional responsibilities.

Republicans have long defended the rule of law. This is what distinguishes us from those of radical left, which often embraces law and the militarization of government to achieve political results. ends. We do, however, believe in law and order, accountability and equal application of the law.

Proposal to turn over North Carolina’s electoral votes before votes are counted looks like it is precisely this tactic that we often condemn when used by the left. Law and militarization government to win an election, that’s what radical leftists do, not Republicans. Instead of looking To find ways to circumvent the electoral process, we should focus our efforts on helping those affected. communities are recovering from the storm and ensuring voters can exercise their rights. It is the conservative and constitutional approach. If Republicans start adopting the tactics we criticize, we risk losing our moral high ground and alienating the very voters who elected us.

Additionally, pre-certification of voters would have far-reaching implications not only for our state. but for the entire nation. Such a move would damage public trust and fuel election accusations. interference and deprivation of rights. We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our elections in the name of political opportunism. If Republicans approve such actions, we risk become exactly what we oppose. Our party defends freedom and not manipulation. For integrity, not shortcuts. For the Constitution, not for political projects. We understand the urgency of this moment. We must ensure that President Trump receives fair treatment, and we must be ready to address any legitimate concerns regarding the 2024 elections. But pre-certification voters – actually choosing winners before voters have spoken – is not the way to go. He is neither fair nor conservative, and it is not how we will win elections.

If the 2024 election results are contested, there are legal avenues to ensure fair review of the process. Let’s use these established mechanisms, rather than the preventive measures that trampling on the right of North Carolinians to make their voices heard. Republicans must continue to be the party of law and order, not anarchy and disorder. We call on our colleagues to reject any attempt to subvert the electoral process and to remain firm on what is it is the right: to count every vote and respect the will of the people. Only then can we preserve the trust that voters place in us as their representatives.

In North Carolina, we are not playing a game with democracy. We count the votes, we respect the law and we respect the Constitution, whatever the circumstances. This is how Republicans should win elections: not by changing the rules, but by gaining the trust and support of the citizens we serve.