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.

An incumbent Democrat narrowly won re-election to the state’s highest court. But the Republican-controlled court is considering an unusual protest from her challenger that could flip the result.

The State Board of Elections is now temporarily blocked from certifying Allison Riggs as the winner in the Supreme Court election while the court considers her opponent’s challenge of 60,000 ballots.