Some local races in Wilmington, North Carolina, were rocked on Friday after allegations of a cash-for-votes plot that allegedly would have benefited three Democrat candidates in upcoming city council races.
The North Carolina Republican Party said it was "made aware" of text messages from someone offering $100 per candidate to a voter in New Hanover County, with the text indicating "each candidate will pay you $100 for their vote" and that they would pay the person "near your polling place" after the votes were cast.
Presumably, the proof of the action being committed would be photos of the person's ballot, which is also a violation of NC election law.
The text started off by saying they were "just following up on our conversation from the No Kings protest."
The press release included screenshots of a texts following up on a conversation after a "No Kings" protest.
— A.P. Dillon (@APDillon_) October 31, 2025
$100 bucks offered for voting a certain way in the Wilmington City Council Race. pic.twitter.com/JWbNS5HiQl
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The NCGOP indicated that they had referred the matter on to the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) so they could investigate:
NEWS: NCGOP has referred an alleged cash-for-votes scheme to the N.C. State Board of Elections for further investigation.#NCPOL pic.twitter.com/kr7H5zZDeF
— NCGOP (@NCGOP) October 31, 2025
In a statement, NC Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes noted that offering money or property for votes is a Class I felony for the alleged offerer and for anyone who allegedly accepts such offers.
"We are aware of the complaints about text messages in New Hanover County, but we cannot comment on specific investigations. We take all allegations of voter fraud very seriously," he also said.
NC State Auditor Dave Boliek (R), whose department is responsible for overseeing the State Board of Elections, shared on X that his office was on standby to assist wherever needed:
I've had communications with State Board of Elections leadership on this concerning news out of New Hanover County. Our office will provide any additional resources or assistance needed to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will hold any bad actors accountable and give voters confidence in our elections.
For its part, the New Hanover Democrat Party is casting doubt on the claim, but says it is "fully committed to free, fair, and secure elections and believes anyone trying to purchase votes should be prosecuted."
"That said, let’s be clear about the facts here,” [Chairwoman Jill] Hopman said in a statement. “One well-known local MAGA activist received a text message from an anonymous untraceable number not affiliated with any candidate or party, with nothing to suggest it’s indicative of a widespread scheme. Unfortunately, instead of waiting for the NC Board of Elections to investigate this farce, the NCGOP is trying to turn this into a sensationalized circus.”
The NC GOP also has its own hotline number for anyone who has election concerns:
The recipient of the text did the right thing by reporting it *DIRECTLY* and, contrary to the local Dem party chair's public facing messaging to local media, the matter is being formally investigated by @NCSBE , not @NCGOP
— New Hanover County GOP (@nhcgop) October 31, 2025
Reports can be made here.
cc @mattmercer @JohnHinnant pic.twitter.com/96JB3k8MTf
To learn more about how to report allegations of election/voter fraud to the NCSBE, click here.
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