This bill proposes the creation of a new section in the North Dakota Century Code that outlines the procedures for district party endorsements of candidates for primary elections. It allows political parties to hold endorsing caucuses, which must be conducted according to their internal rules. After the caucus, the district chairman is responsible for signing and forwarding a certificate of endorsement to the state party chairman, who must wait at least seven days before submitting it to the secretary of state for ballot placement. The bill also establishes a complaint and investigation process for individuals who believe the caucus was not conducted properly, including a timeline for filing complaints and completing investigations.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections regarding the requirements for candidates to appear on primary election ballots. It specifies that if a political party issues a certificate of endorsement for a candidate, no other candidate from that party may appear on the ballot for the same office. The amendments clarify the necessary signatures and information required for nominating petitions and certificates of endorsement, and they ensure that candidates who do not receive endorsements can still run as independents in general or special elections.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10
Adopted by the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee: 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10