RALEIGH, North Carolina — North Carolina trial judges on Wednesday threw out another Republican attempt to strip the governor of his authority to appoint State Board of Elections members, declaring that a law shifting the task to the state auditor is unconstitutional.

A panel of North Carolina judges ruled on Wednesday that the governor has the power to appoint members to the State Board of Elections and not the GOP state auditor, according to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

A panel of judges seemed unconvinced that the governor is entitled to control over the state election board, but also hesitant to grant the legislature sweeping ability to alter gubernatorial responsibilities.