near relative

“A near relative to the famous Red Jacket and of the present Chief of the six nations Cherokees.”

It is illegal in North Carolina for anyone except the voter or a near relative to deliver an absentee ballot in person.

Possession of an absentee ballot for delivery to a voter or for return by anyone other than the voter, the voter’s near relative, or the voter’s legal guardian is a felony, investigators wrote.

"Only you or your near relative or legal guardian can mail or deliver your ballot to the elections office," the State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement reminded Bladen County voters.

The voter and the witness had to sign the envelope, which was either mailed or taken in person by the voter, a near relative or a legal guardian.