An upcoming investigation by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) aims to uncover the reasons behind the disappearance of campaign finance reports from several candidates, including nearly two decades of filings from Sheriff Sam Page of Rockingham County. The issue was initially highlighted by a report from Charlotte TV station WBTV. Sheriff Page, who has served since 1998 and is currently running against Senate Leader Phil Berger in the 2026 Republican primary, also contested for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in the 2024 primaries. Efforts by WBTV to locate Page's financial reports prior to 2017 with the local elections board were unsuccessful, as no staff members have been employed there since June 2020. According to state regulations, these documents should be retained while the candidate holds office, but they can be destroyed three years after leaving public service if all related committees are closed.

The investigation into the missing records stems from discrepancies regarding the retention period and responsibility. Under state law, treasurers of candidate committees are obligated to keep records for only two years following the election to which the reports pertain. This implies that Trevor Gardner, the current treasurer for Page’s campaign committee, was not required to maintain records beyond November 2020. In response to inquiries, Gardner confirmed via email that Page had consistently adhered to filing obligations before July 1, 2017. He further stated that all disclosures before this date were submitted in paper form and emphasized that no audits or investigations concerning Sheriff Page's finances have ever been initiated.

Additional context reveals that the issue extends beyond Sheriff Page, affecting other candidates' records dating back to before 2017. NCSBE Executive Director Sam Hayes announced plans to dispatch an investigator next week to collaborate with the county elections director to gather more information. Hayes noted that the current Rockingham County Board of Elections inherited this predicament from previous administrations and acknowledged their efforts to rectify it. Despite these assurances, questions remain about the whereabouts of the missing documents and whether any legal implications might arise.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on clarifying the situation without casting undue suspicion on Sheriff Page or others implicated. While the statutory period for retaining such records has expired, understanding the circumstances surrounding their disappearance remains crucial for maintaining transparency in electoral processes. Although Sheriff Page did not provide a direct comment, his representatives reiterated compliance with all relevant laws and regulations during his tenure.

NCSBE's proactive approach signifies its commitment to ensuring accountability within the electoral system. By delving deeper into the matter, the board aims to restore confidence in the management of campaign finance documentation. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for future handling of similar cases across the state, reinforcing the importance of meticulous record-keeping practices in political campaigns.