The 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. 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.

Additionally, the bill specifies penalties for various violations, categorizing them as either class A misdemeanors or class C felonies, depending on the nature of the offense. It introduces new language regarding the penalties for organizations that violate election laws, including the revocation of their certificate of authority for specified periods based on the severity of the offense. The bill also establishes civil penalties for individuals involved in fraudulent signature collection, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-01-12