This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to modernize the procedures for placing candidates on primary election ballots. It eliminates the requirement for party endorsements and certificates of endorsement, replacing them with a mandate for candidates to submit nominating petitions. Candidates for statewide and legislative offices must now present these petitions to the Secretary of State, and new provisions are introduced for candidates appointed by state parties when no individual has filed a nominating petition by a specified deadline. The bill also clarifies the requirements for campaign disclosure statements, mandating that candidates and political parties file detailed reports of contributions and expenditures within a defined timeframe before elections.

Additionally, the bill specifies that candidates must provide their name, contact information, and the title of the office they are seeking, along with a varying number of signatures from qualified electors, capped at 300. It allows political organizations to access the primary ballot by submitting a petition signed by at least 7,000 qualified electors. The legislation further clarifies the process for filling vacancies on no-party ballots and introduces provisions for special elections to fill vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives due to catastrophic circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the nomination process and enhance transparency in campaign financing while repealing outdated sections of the law.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-03-14, 16.1-03-21, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-09-02, 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-11, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-18, 16.1-11-30, 16.1-11-39, 16.1-12-02, 16.1-12-09, 16.1-13-08.1
Adopted by the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee: 16.1-03-14, 16.1-03-21, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-09-02, 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-11, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-18, 16.1-11-30, 16.1-11-39, 16.1-12-02, 16.1-12-09, 16.1-13-08.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-03-14, 16.1-03-21, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-09-02, 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-11, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-18, 16.1-11-30, 16.1-11-39, 16.1-12-02, 16.1-12-09, 16.1-13-08.1