RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on a North Carolina congressional race that remains in dispute more than three weeks after election day (all times local):

5:20 p.m.

The Associated Press is retracting its call of a winner for U.S. House in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.

The AP had called the race for Republican Mark Harris on Nov. 9, after Democrat Dan McCready conceded the election and said he would not request a recount.

Unofficial results show Harris with a lead of 905 votes out of nearly 283,000 votes counted.

The North Carolina board of elections has delayed certifying the results, citing “claims of irregularities and fraudulent activities related to absentee by-mail voting.”

The board voted 7-2 on Friday to hear evidence by Dec. 21 on whether to finalize the result. The board could ultimately decide to hold a new election.

In this case, AP is treating the board’s action as if the race has proceeded to a recount. AP does not call winners in any election that is subject to a recount.

AP will not call the race until state officials certify the results.

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5:10 a.m.

A North Carolina congressional race result still hasn’t been finalized as elections officials examine potential absentee ballot irregularities.

The state elections board meets Friday and is likely to again consider the certification in the 9th Congressional District. Board members delayed that certification earlier this week, citing an investigation.

Totals show Republican Mark Harris leading Democrat Dan McCready by 900 votes. McCready conceded the race weeks ago, but the outcome isn’t official.

The board confirmed it took away absentee ballot request paperwork in Bladen County, partially locally in the 9th District. Republicans want Harris declared the winner and have suggested a court fight if not done soon. The board has authority in some cases to order new elections.

A Republican has represented the 9th District since the early 1960s.