This bill proposes amendments to the North Dakota Century Code regarding the process for recall elections for elected officials, specifically focusing on members of city governing bodies. It introduces a new section that establishes that a city governing body member can be recalled by a petition signed by thirty-five percent of the voters who participated in the most recent election for that member. The bill also stipulates that recall petitions must include a stated reason for the recall and must be approved by the secretary of state before circulation. Additionally, it requires that each petition have at least fifteen sponsors, all of whom must be qualified electors of the city.

The bill amends existing laws related to recall petitions, including the signature requirements and the timeline for gathering signatures. It specifies that petitions must be submitted to the city auditor within ninety days of approval for circulation and outlines the process for verifying signatures and calling a special election. Notably, it prohibits a member from being subject to recall more than once during their term and establishes that if a recall election is scheduled within one year of a regularly scheduled election, the recall cannot proceed. Overall, the bill aims to clarify and streamline the recall process for city officials in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21