North Carolina rep requests ‘nonpartisan election observers’ in close race

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) is requesting “nonpartisan election observers” in her House race as she trails behind Democratic opponent Chuck Hubbard.

“Election integrity is not a mere suggestion – it is the keystone of free and fair elections that have always guided the course of our nation throughout history,” she wrote in a Facebook post . “The counting process for the 5th District election has not halted. The count is ongoing in accordance with North Carolina state law.”

Foxx described how the “continuing process, our laws and faithful election administration” would determine her race “and nothing else.”

“At my request, nonpartisan election observers under the guidance of the Committee on House Administration will be present across the 5th District as the count continues, and will serve as important, watchful eyes to ensure that this sacred process is not impeded and that all legal votes are counted in a consistent, thorough manner,” the lawmaker continued.

Foxx continued that the observers were dispatched under the “Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act.”

The act allows for states to provide “congressional election observers” to watch the “administration procedures of federal elections.” It explicitly prohibits observers from handling ballots or election equipment, campaigning for a particular candidate or interfering with the elections administration process.

“My work in service to the constituents of the 5th District remains ongoing, and my offices continue to stand at the ready to assist. The process will continue,” Foxx concluded in her post.

The lawmaker is currently trailing behind Hubbard, according to the reported totals from the Associated Press as of Sunday morning. The outlet estimated 99 percent of the ballots had been counted, showing the Democrat currently leading by 99 voters, making this race one of the closest margins this election cycle.

She is among the dozens of House Republicans projected to be swept away in the midterm’s “blue wave.”

In North Carolina, the GOP already lost five seats with only one seat left open, including the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), being defeated by Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda (D-N.C.)