VARIOUS ELECTION CHANGES.

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View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
House Bill 633 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 9, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE ELECTION LAWS.
Intro. by Michaux.

Status: Ref to the Com on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, if favorable, Elections (House Action) (Apr 10 2013)
H 633

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 12 2013 - View Summary

    Amends GS 126-4 to add the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in years in which a general election is to be held, to the holidays that are paid holidays for State employees.

    Amends GS 163-82.24 to require every appointed chief judge or judge to receive training developed and approved by the State Board in each election cycle before the first election in that cycle in the county. Makes conforming and technical changes. Amends GS 163-41 to require chief precinct judges and judges to comply with the training and certification requirements in GS 163-82.24.

    Amends GS 163-82.5 to require that voter registration application forms be available for completion and submission online.

    Enacts new GS 163-82.5A regarding online voter registration. Provides that the section applies to an individual who meets both of the following requirements: (1) is eligible to register to vote and (2) has a current and valid North Carolina driver's license, learner's permit, or provisional license, or a special identification card for non-operators issued under GS 20-37.7. Individuals who meet the stated requirements may register to vote or change registration online. Requires the Board to establish a secure Internet site to allow individuals meeting the prescribed requirements to submit voter registration applications. Provides that the secure website is to allow qualified individuals to submit an application  to do the following: (1) register to vote or (2) report a change in name, address, or party affiliation.  In addition, the secure web site is to allow the individual to submit information demonstrating that individual's eligibility to register online and to submit their email address. Directs the county board of elections, in conjunction with the State Board of Elections (State Board) to verify the license or security number, update the statewide registration database and search for duplicate registrations, and verify the person's address.If the number is verified, requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to transfer the applicant's digital signature to the State Board. Provides that if the State Board can not verify the number, the State Board must notify the applicant and give the applicant the opportunity to register under GS 163-82.6 or GS 163-82.6A. Amends GS 163-82.10 to make conforming changes. Effective December 1, 2013.

    Amends GS 163-82.6A (in person registration and voting at one-stop sites) to provide that a person's vote is to be counted if the county board determines that the applicant is qualified to vote at or before the time for canvass.

    Amends GS 163-111 to provide that nominations in primary elections are to be determined by a plurality (was, substantial plurality) of the votes cast. Deletes provisions concerning determining substantial plurality. Also deletes provisions concerning the right to demand a second primary and concerning tie votes. Makes conforming changes to GS 160A-23.1, GS 163-55, GS 163-82.6, GS 163-82.17, GS 163-226, GS 163-255, GS 163-258.9, GS 163-258.16, GS 163-278.6, GS 163-278.13, GS 163-278.40B, GS 163-279, and GS 163-291, GS 163-329. Makes conforming repeals of GS 163-227.1, GS 163-227.3(b), and GS 163-278.13B(d).

    Amends GS 163-227.2 to provide that a county board of elections must conduct one-stop voting on the last Saturday before the election until 1:00 pm and may conduct it until 5 pm on that Saturday, on at least on additional Saturday, and on at least one Sunday. Prohibits conducting one-stop voting on a Sunday before 1 pm on that Sunday.

    Amends GS 163-231 (transmitting excused absentee ballots to county board of elections) to remove the option of transmitting ballots to the voter's near relative or verifiable legal guardian. Provides that if ballots are received later than the deadline, the ballots may be accepted it they meets specified requirements, including if the ballots are received by the county board of election no later than three days after the election by 5 pm (deletes the requirement that the ballots also be postmarked by the day of the statewide primary or general election or county bond election).

    Amends GS 163-278.22 to require the State Board to publish a voter guide that explains the functions of all statewide offices and legislative office, to be distributed to as many voting age individuals as practical. Specifies information that may be included in the guide. Specifies information that the Board must request from each candidate.

    Amends GS 115C-81 to require local boards of education to require teaching seniors a course on civics and citizenship education. Specifies components that must be included in the curriculum. Repeals GS 115C-81(g1)(1), concerning modifying the high school social studies curriculum to include instruction in civic and citizenship education. These provisions are effective when the act becomes law and apply beginning with the 2014-15 school year. Provides that students who have passed a high school civics course before the start of the 2014-15 school year do not have to reenroll in the course in their senior year.

    Transfers $390,871 to the State Board to meet federal Help America Vote Act Title II Maintenance of Effort requirements. In the event that funds for the Maintenance of Efforts are insufficient, requires the State Board to transfer funds from their Administration Fund Code. If funds appropriated to the State Board are in excess of the required amount, the State Board will retain the excess and revert it to the General Fund at the end of the 2012-13 fiscal year.

     


  • Summary date: Apr 9 2013 - View Summary

    To be summarized.