Amends GS 163-12 to require a special election when a United States Senator dies, resigns, or otherwise vacates his or her office prior to the expiration of term. Directs the Governor to issue a writ for the special election to be held more than 90 days but less than 180 days after the vacancy occurs (was, an election to fill such a vacancy must occur at the first election for members of the General Assembly that takes place more than 60 days after the vacancy arises.) Allows the Governor to schedule the special election for a date less than 90 days or more than 180 days after the vacancy in order to combine the special election with another election, but only if the other election will occur within 30 days of the timeframe established by the amendment.

Effective when it becomes law and applicable to vacancies existing on or after that date.