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, where a district organization can endorse a candidate, and establishes a complaint and investigation process for any disputes regarding the conduct of these caucuses. The bill specifies that after an endorsing caucus, the district chairman must sign and forward a certificate of endorsement to the state party chairman, who cannot submit it to the secretary of state for at least seven days. If a complaint is filed regarding the caucus, an inquiry committee will investigate, and the candidate's name will not be placed on the ballot until the investigation is complete.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections related to candidate endorsements and ballot placement. It clarifies that if a political party issues a certificate of endorsement for a candidate, no other candidate from that party can appear on the primary ballot for the same office. The amendments also specify the requirements for the certificate of endorsement and the process for filing it with the secretary of state. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for the state party chairman to sign the certificate of endorsement, instead requiring only the district party chairman's signature. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the endorsement process while ensuring compliance with party rules and state laws.

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