This bill amends section 16.1-01-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, which addresses election offenses and their penalties. It outlines various unlawful actions related to elections, including fraudulent ballot alterations, voting multiple times, and obstructing qualified voters or election officials. Notably, the bill removes the prohibition against paying individuals or organizations based on the number of signatures obtained for circulating initiative, referendum, or recall petitions. This change allows for payment structures that are not tied to the number of signatures collected, provided that circulators file their intent to remunerate before submitting petitions.

The bill also specifies the penalties for various election offenses, categorizing violations into class A misdemeanors and class C felonies based on the severity of the offense. For instance, violations related to voting in the wrong precinct or disobeying election officers are classified as misdemeanors, while more serious offenses, such as fraudulent voting or submitting petitions with false signatures, are classified as felonies. Additionally, organizations found guilty of these offenses face fines and restrictions on their ability to conduct business in the state for specified periods, depending on the nature of the violation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-01-12