Despite appeal dismissal, commission election not certified

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s been two days since the State Board of Elections dismissed an elections appeal originally filed in New Hanover County. The two commissioners-elect, however, still have to wait to be formally declared winners.

At a New Hanover Board of Elections meeting Thursday, Chairman John Ferrante signed the certificates of election, but says they still must wait.

“We cannot deliver them to those people until the appeal period for Mr. Anderson’s protest is expired,” Ferrante said.

The appeal period for the protest is ten days after the state enters the order, Ferrante said.

John Christian Anderson filed an appeal following the November election. When that appeal was denied in New Hanover County, he appealed to the state. That appeal was also dismissed Tuesday.

Commissioner-elect Rob Zapple says he’s just ready to do his job and he’s tired of waiting.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. We’re almost there,” Zapple said.

He may not have to wait much longer. Today the County Commission scheduled its next agenda review for Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. followed by a regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 22. Earlier this week commissioners had cancelled today’s agenda review and the regular meeting scheduled for this coming Monday.