Over the last month, Common Cause North Carolina and a diverse coalition of advocacy groups have led thousands in protests against failed GOP state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin’s attempt to throw out tens of thousands of votes and overturn his election loss. 

Dubbed “The People vs. Griffin,” the rallies pressured leaders to take a stand against voter suppression – and it worked.

After losing the 2024 race for a state Supreme Court seat, Jefferson Griffin, who sits on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, launched a baseless legal challenge to over 60,000 votes.Despite multiple recounts confirming Griffin’s loss to incumbent Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes, his lawsuit has kept the race in limbo for three months, making it the only unresolved statewide contest in the country.

After losing the 2024 race for a state Supreme Court seat, Jefferson Griffin, who sits on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, launched a baseless legal challenge to over 60,000 votes.Despite multiple recounts confirming Griffin’s loss to incumbent Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes, his lawsuit has kept the race in limbo for three months, making it the only unresolved statewide contest in the country. 

In response, Common Cause North Carolina launched “The People v. Griffin” effort to assist impacted voters, educate the public and drive thousands to take action statewide, including hosting 19 rallies over the course of a week to call for Griffin to concede. 

Days after “The People vs. Griffin” rallies, North Carolina’s top Republican, Senate Leader Phil Berger, publicly rejected the bulk of Griffin’s legal challenges. Other prominent Republicans, including former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot and former Governor Pat McCrory, also spoke out. Even conservative state Supreme Court Justice Richard Dietz called Griffin’s lawsuit “almost certainly meritless.”

At the rallies, voters directly impacted by Griffin’s effort to throw out votes made their voices heard.

Across party lines, voters are frustrated with Griffin’s efforts to silence their voices. 

Included in the tens of thousands of votes that Griffin is challenging are those votes of over 5,500 thousands of active-duty military personnel serving abroad and other overseas voters. Former military leaders fired back, emphasizing that service members have a “constitutionally-protected right to vote.”

In addition to mass rallies, Common Cause North Carolina has also placed digital ads and even massive billboards across the state where they’ve hosted smaller media events with impacted voters highlighting Griffin’s attacks on military services members, students, and other North Carolina.

As Griffin’s scheme makes its way through the courts, Common Cause North Carolina will continue  mobilizing voters to make it clear that North Carolinians will stand up for democracy. 

“The fact that over 5,500 outraged and energized people came to these rallies not only shows just how many voters could be harmed by Griffin’s challenges but also that North Carolinians won’t be silent when a failed candidate threatens the votes of our families, friends, and neighbors,” said Gino Nuzzolillo, Campaigns Manager with Common Cause North Carolina. “The court of public opinion is clear: it’s time for this sore loser to end his outrageous attack on voters, respect the outcome of our elections, and move on.”

Common Cause NC and its partners, including the ACLU of North Carolina, NC NAACP, League of Women Voters North Carolina, and more, aren’t backing down. More actions are planned in the coming weeks to keep up the pressure. For a list of events, visit ccnc.me/griffin.