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As election fraud investigation continues, 9th District constituents lack representation

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

Mark Harris was preparing for his spot in Washington, D.C.

He was assigned an office.

[SPECIAL SECTION: District 9 Investigation]

Now, Room 132 in the Cannon House Office Building is vacant.

[READ: Mark Harris' petition requesting certification of election]

The office of the 9th Congressional District of North Carolina is on a placard outside the door.

A phone set up for 9th District constituents goes to voicemail with an automated message that says: “The Honorable M Harris is not here.”

[READ MORE: High court to take new look at partisan electoral districts including in North Carolina]

North Carolina's Board of Elections has refused to certify Harris as the winner.

[Harris files court documents asking for certification of 9th District results]

The state board launched an investigation into potential election fraud dealing with absentee ballots in Bladen and Robeson counties.

The Office of the Clerk of the House is supposed to take over constituent requests and hire staff until a representative is in place. It's unclear though when that will happen.

[READ MORE: Harris meets with Board of Elections, calls not being in DC 'disappointing']

In addition to constituents, local governments may also feel a pinch without a 9th District representative.

As local governments develop their legislative agendas, they'll have one less representative to advocate for them.

On Monday, Charlotte City Council will discuss the projects they want federal assistance with, including security funding for the 2020 Republican National Convention.

[READ MORE: US House District 9 race investigation: How we got here]

In Union County, officials hope to build a 28-mile water pipeline connecting to Lake Tillery.

A spokesperson told Channel 9 the county could use help on the federal level as they apply for a permit.

While no one is currently manning the phones for the 9th District, if you call the former representative Robert Pittenger's office, you'll be greeted by an automated message that tells constituents to call Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for assistance.

Sen. Thom Tillis is eager to help.

“Given the uncertainty facing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, all residents should know my Charlotte office is open and ready to help them resolve any issues they may be having with the federal government,” Senator Thom Tillis said in a news release. “From assisting veterans seeking timely appointments at the VA to resolving issues seniors are having with their Social Security or Medicare benefits to helping families get expedited passports, my office does everything in its power to help North Carolinians.”

A news release from Tillis says he has assisted with:

  • Closing more than 4,000 cases on behalf of veterans, resolving a wide range of issues from helping secure appointments at the VA to resolving pending disability claims.
  • Closing nearly 2,000 cases for North Carolinians who were having issues with their Social Security or Medicare benefits.
  • Closing nearly 1,500 immigration-related cases for North Carolinians who were having issues with the Department of State and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Assisting nearly 2,000 North Carolinians with getting expedited passports.

The phone number for Tillis’ Charlotte office is 704-509-9087.

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