Page Widens Lead Over Berger to 23 Votes as Recount Likely After Voter-Contact Allegation

Overview

• After provisional ballots were tallied, Sam Page leads Phil Berger 13,136 to 13,113, a 23-vote edge according to the state elections dashboard.
• Fewer than six military and overseas ballots may still arrive before the March 12 deadline, which would not erase the lead even if all favored Berger, though the count remains unofficial.
• Rockingham elections chair Don Powell reported that a woman identifying herself as “Chris” and linked by pamphlet to Blueprint NC Faith Table approached and recorded provisional voters at the Reidsville office.
• Powell said the interactions could deter voters seeking to cure ballots; state law bars harassment within polling place buffer zones and interference with election officials’ work.
• County canvasses are set for March 13, the recount request deadline is noon March 17, Bob Rucho resigned from the State Board of Elections, and Page urged Auditor Dave Boliek to recuse from any recount oversight while Berger signaled he may pursue a recount.