Allegations of vote buying in Wilmington, North Carolina, have ignited significant controversy just ahead of a City Council election. A video by journalist Nicholas Craig claims to show campaign workers offering $100 cash to voters in return for their ballots. This kind of activity is illegal under state and federal laws, intensifying concerns about election integrity in the region.
In the video, a woman states, “After you vote, one of our team members will meet you in her car near your polling place and pay you cash.” She also mentions arranging transportation for voters. Craig reported that this interaction took place at NO KINGS, a restaurant in downtown Wilmington, which appears connected to Democratic campaign efforts. As the video circulates, calls for an investigation are growing louder.
Craig’s viral post has driven conservatives to demand quick action. He stated, “Conservatives are demanding an immediate investigation after it was exposed that Democrats are offering $100 per vote.” This assertion highlights the seriousness of the charges, which, if substantiated, could undermine not only this election but also public trust in the electoral process in North Carolina.
Vote buying is classified as a felony under North Carolina law, specifically NC General Statute § 163-275(1). The law stipulates that promising any form of reward to influence voting is criminal. Federal law under 52 U.S. Code § 10307(c) echoes this stance, imposing severe penalties for offering monetary incentives for votes.
At this stage, local authorities have yet to confirm if an investigation is underway. Meanwhile, state Republican lawmakers and civic organizations are closely monitoring the developments, ready to file formal complaints. A senior Republican staffer stated, “If this footage is legitimate, it’s not just an ethics violation—it’s criminal,” emphasizing the stakes involved in the allegations.
This situation arises in the context of Wilmington’s City Council elections, which, although often overshadowed by larger federal contests, have significant implications for issues like zoning, law enforcement, and local taxes. Low margins historically characterize these elections. For instance, a candidate in 2021 won reelection by just 115 votes from over 18,000 cast.
Legal analysts express concern that even minor instances of vote buying could sway an election’s outcome, especially when results hinge on narrow margins. North Carolina law allows the State Board of Elections to call for a new election if illegal activity is found to have influenced the results.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, New Hanover County’s Democratic officials have remained silent. Multiple attempts to obtain comments from them went unanswered, as did inquiries directed to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, which declined to comment amidst ongoing investigations. NO KINGS staff, approached for statements, also refrained from discussing the incident.
This incident is not a standalone issue in North Carolina. The state faced similar scrutiny during the 2018 Congressional election in the 9th District, which was invalidated due to instances of ballot harvesting and fraud. That case led to criminal convictions and prompted a special election, reflecting the need for vigilance regarding election practices.
Craig expressed frustration about how such activities are perceived. “Everyone says ‘this doesn’t happen,’ or pretends it’s rare,” he noted. “But I just recorded it with my phone—$100 in cash, per person, after voting. That’s what happened. Plain and simple.” Such claims further underscore the urgency of this matter and the potential for criminal repercussions if investigations confirm the footage’s validity.
In the wake of the allegations, North Carolina lawmakers are pushing for emergency hearings on election security. Reports indicate that a committee in the North Carolina House may convene soon to evaluate whether new legislation is needed to strengthen rules against vote buying.
As Wilmington voters approach the polls, the fallout from the viral video might not only influence turnout but also spark increased engagement from concerned citizens and political groups advocating for oversight in the voting process. One local veteran reflected on the implications, saying, “Folks fought and died for our right to vote. Now someone’s handing out cash for it? There’s no excuse for that.”
The situation in Wilmington has triggered national debates on the integrity of elections. Several watchdog organizations are already gathering affidavits and personal accounts from voters in New Hanover County. The pace of the state’s response will be crucial in determining whether these allegations lead to formal charges and what impact they may have on local electoral practices going forward.
The claim that voters were offered $100 to cast their ballots highlights deeply rooted concerns about election integrity in America. With local races often setting the stage for future political ambitions and controlling substantial municipal budgets, advocates are calling for immediate and thorough investigation into these claims, emphasizing that more oversight is vital for preserving trust in the electoral system.
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