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

As elected Republicans serving North Carolina, we are compelled to speak out against a proposal that could undermine one of the core tenets of our democracy: the people’s right to vote. Recent comments from Rep. Andy Harris, head of the House Freedom Caucus, suggesting that North Carolina’s legislature should consider awarding its electoral votes to Donald Trump before the votes are even counted, are troubling and antithetical to conservative principles. We say this as staunch supporters of President Trump and as individuals who believe in his vision for America’s future. But our support for the president cannot come at the cost of fundamental democratic norms. The notion of pre-certifying electors without counting ballots not only risks violating state and federal law, but also sets a dangerous precedent. It erodes the integrity of the election process and ultimately threatens the foundation of free and fair elections — something we conservatives must always defend.

Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the General Assembly has worked hard to ensure access to fair elections for those affected. We have fought diligently to secure our state’s voter integrity, as it is our duty as elected officials to facilitate the process and ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot — no matter whom they support. But altering the process by which electors are selected before votes are counted is not the solution — it’s a step toward government overreach and a dangerous deviation from our constitutional responsibilities.

Republicans have long championed the rule of law. It is what sets us apart from those on the radical left, who often embrace lawfare and the weaponization of government to achieve political ends. We, however, believe in law and order, accountability and equal application of the law.

The proposal to hand over North Carolina’s electoral votes before votes are counted resembles the very tactics that we often condemn when wielded by the left. Lawfare and weaponizing government to win an election are what radical leftists do, not Republicans. Instead of looking for ways to circumvent the electoral process, we should focus our efforts on helping affected communities recover from the storm and ensuring that voters can exercise their rights. That is the conservative, constitutional approach. If Republicans start embracing the tactics we criticize, we risk losing the moral high ground and alienating the very voters who put us in office.

Furthermore, pre-certifying electors would have far-reaching implications, not only for our state but for the entire nation. Such a move would damage public trust, fueling accusations of election interference and disenfranchisement. We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our elections in the name of political expediency. If Republicans endorse such actions, we risk becoming the very thing we oppose. Our party stands for freedom, not manipulation. For integrity, not shortcuts. For the Constitution, not political schemes. We understand the urgency of this moment. We must ensure that President Trump receives fair treatment, and we must be prepared to address any legitimate concerns about the 2024 election. But pre-certifying electors — effectively picking winners before the voters have spoken — is not the way forward. It is neither fair nor conservative, and it is not how we win elections.

If the results of the 2024 election are contested, there are legal avenues to ensure a fair review of the process. Let’s use those established mechanisms, rather than  preemptive measures that trample on the rights of North Carolinians to make their voices heard. Republicans must continue to be the party of law and order, not lawlessness and disorder. We call on our colleagues to reject any attempt to subvert the election process and to stand firm for what is right — counting every vote and respecting the will of the people. Only then can we preserve the trust that voters place in us as their representatives.

In North Carolina, we don’t play games with democracy. We count votes, we follow the law and we uphold the Constitution — no matter the circumstances. That’s how Republicans should win elections: not by changing the rules, but by earning the trust and support of the people we serve.