The move gives the court time to consider a challenge by Republican Jefferson Griffin, who has cited debunked legal theories in his previous failed attempts to block Justice Allison Riggs’ reelection.

Republican Jefferson Griffin lost by 734 votes, but he has contested the eligibility of 60,000 ballots cast in the election.

The North Carolina Supreme Court blocked state officials from certifying the re-election of Democrat Allison Riggs to the court, allowing Republican Jefferson Griffin to challenge the validity of nearly 60,