Aiken in spotlight as NC county elections board examines former Idol star’s registration

NC county board reviews Aiken vote challenge

RALEIGH, N.C. — Clay Aiken received a lot of votes as an “American Idol” contestant and eventual runner-up. Now, it’s his lone vote that’s drawing attention in North Carolina.

The Wake County Board of Elections scheduled a meeting Wednesday to examine a complaint questioning Aiken’s voter registration in the county. It’s unclear if he’ll attend.

Wake Republican Party Chairman Claude Pope filed the complaint last month, after Aiken called candidates for the county school board “selfish idiots.” Records show Aiken voted this fall in his hometown of Raleigh. He now has a house in nearby Chatham County.

Pope said he wants Aiken’s registration canceled if he no longer lives in the county.

Board director Cherie (sherry) Poucher said the board will decide if there’s enough evidence for a full-blown investigation.