Conference report makes the following changes to the 4th edition.

Adds to the whereas clauses.

Amends the act's long title.

Makes a clarifying change to the repeal of GS 126-5(d)(2c).

Amends GS 163A-2, concerning membership of the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement (State Board), to add that violations of GS 163A-3(d) are considered nonfeasance. Provides that any vacancy on the State Board is to be filled by the Governor (was, any vacancy in an appointment made by the Governor). Provides that in 2017, and every four years thereafter, the chair must be a member of the political party with the highest number of registered affiliates, and the vice-chair from the political party with the second-highest number of registered affiliates. Provides that in 2019, and every four years thereafter, the chair must be a member of the political party with the second-highest number of registered affiliates, and the vice-chair from the political party with the highest number of registered affiliates.

Amends GS 163A-3, concerning meetings, quorum, and majority of the State Board, to provide that a majority of the members constitutes a quorum. Requires an affirmative vote of at least five members for all actions taken by the State Board, except as otherwise specified. Requires the State Board to adjourn for up to three days when it does not have a quorum, at which point the Governor may summarily remove any member failing to attend and appoint a successor.

Amends GS 163A-4 to make a conforming change.

Amends GS 163-182.13, concerning new elections, to make a conforming change.

Requires the Governor, notwithstanding GS 163A-2(f) and (g), to appoint a member of the State Board to serve as chair, a member to serve as vice-chair, and a member to serve as secretary, until its first meeting in May 2019, at which time the State Board shall select a chair and vice-chair in accordance with GS 163A-2(f) and a secretary in accordance with GS 163A-2(g).