Mark G. Rodin: Election workers owed apology from McCrory, GOP

Gov. Pat McCrory and N.C. Republican Party executive director Dallas Woodhouse owe me a sincere and public apology. Where’s the widespread voter fraud gentlemen?

One issue which has been overlooked in the challenges by the McCrory campaign and Republicans is the insult and intimidation directed at thousands of election workers in our state’s 100 counties.

I’ve been an elections assistant and precinct judge in Durham County for eight of the past nine years, including this one where I also served as an assistant supervisor at one of Durham’s 13 early voting sites.

I am a registered democrat, but have great respect for current Board of Elections Chairman and Republican Bill Brian, whose comment the State Board of Elections ordered recount “was not necessary (and) not based on law or fact” is exactly on target.

McCrory’s campaign and the N.C. Republican Party should promptly reimburse Durham the estimated $35,000 recount cost.

Many of my colleagues across North Carolina will have nothing more to do with future elections following the unfounded challenges brought by the GOP and the U.S. District Court suit by the Civitas Institute challenging same-day voter registration during early voting approved.

There was absolutely no willful negligence or gross misconduct by poll workers in Durham or elsewhere who must under North Carolina election law attend training conducted by the election staff in each county. Now their hard work and reputation of local board of elections is severely damaged.

Along with his Dec. 5 concession McCrory and our state’s Republican leaders should issue a public apology to all election workers. Continued statements alleging election fraud only add to the misconception county elections staffs and those hired to serve under them are unscrupulous and dishonest. If anything, the Durham recount proves they are not.

I’m waiting for my apology.

The length limit was waived to permit a fuller response to the issue.

This story was originally published December 8, 2016 at 7:46 PM with the headline "Mark G. Rodin: Election workers owed apology from McCrory, GOP."