This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to modernize the nomination process for candidates in primary elections. It eliminates the requirement for party endorsements and certificates of endorsement, replacing them with a system that mandates candidates for statewide and legislative offices to submit nominating petitions to the Secretary of State. Candidates must provide their name, contact information, and the title of the office they seek, along with a specified number of signatures from qualified electors, which can be up to 300 depending on the office. The bill also introduces provisions for candidates appointed by state parties when no individual has filed a nominating petition by the deadline.

In addition to these changes, the bill 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. It establishes a statement of interests that candidates must file and outlines the conditions for their names to appear on the ballot. The bill further addresses the organization of political parties, their eligibility for separate sections on primary ballots based on past performance, and the process for special elections to fill vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the nomination process, enhance transparency in campaign financing, and improve accessibility for candidates.

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