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.

Attorney Craig Schauer, who represents Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin, went before a Wake County judge earlier this week without opposing counsel present to get an order blocking certification of the election.

The election for associate justice will remain unfinalized for the moment as Judge Jefferson Griffin’s request for legal intervention in the race processes through multiple courts.