Governor Pat McCrory signed into law legislation that ensures the state board and county elections boards are comprised of an equal number of Republicans and Democrat. Previously, the party of the sitting governor had a one-vote majority on all elections boards throughout the state. 

 

The new law also merges the State Board of Elections, State Ethics Commission and the lobbying-regulation functions of the Secretary of State. 

 

The bill also give McCrory the authority to make a one-time appointment to fill a vacancy on the state Industrial Commission for a six-year term plus the unexpired portion of the commissioner’s term. McCrory appointed Yolanda Smith to the post. She is the wife of McCrory's chief-of staff, Thomas Stith.