Ignoring the rest of the story which is nuts itself, this bit at the end just boggles my mind:
According to elections expert Andy Jackson […] “In other instances when, say a candidate dies before Election Day, the candidate’s name remains on the ballot and the candidate’s widow or widower would get the votes and serve the term,”
Why on earth would the votes go to someone who likely isn’t even a politician, nor likely expressed any interest in holding the position?
A politician is anyone who runs for a government seat. It’s not like it’s a degree or certification. If your spouse runs for government in NC, so do you. A marriage creates a single person.
A politician is anyone who runs for a government seat.
…or their spouse, apparently, if this is true.
By this logic, a politician who dies in office would have their office filled by their spouse as well, I guess?