Invalidating the official election and holding a second one is a very rare event, but may be justified under certain circumstances. In North Carolina, the standard is set forth by statute: "The State Board of Elections may order a new election, upon agreement of at least four of its members, in the case of any one or more of the following: (1) Ineligible voters sufficient in number to change the outcome of the election were allowed to vote in the election, and it is not possible from examination of the official ballots to determine how those ineligible voters voted and to correct the totals. (2) Eligible voters sufficient in number to change the outcome of the election were improperly prevented from voting. (3) Other irregularities affected a sufficient number of votes to change the outcome of the election. (4) Irregularities or improprieties occurred to such an extent that they taint the results of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness." N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-182.13.
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Invalidating the official election and holding a second one is a very rare event, but may be justified under certain circumstances. In North Carolina, the standard is set forth by statute: "The State Board of Elections may order a new election, upon agreement of at least four of its members, in the case of any one or more of the following: (1) Ineligible voters sufficient in number to change the outcome of the election were allowed to vote in the election, and it is not possible from examination of the official ballots to determine how those ineligible voters voted and to correct the totals. (2) Eligible voters sufficient in number to change the outcome of the election were improperly prevented from voting. (3) Other irregularities affected a sufficient number of votes to change the outcome of the election. (4) Irregularities or improprieties occurred to such an extent that they taint the results of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness." N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-182.13.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). New Election. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/new-election
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