North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 17 D · 1 I cosponsors

HB 580 — State Board of Elections Legislative Changes.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 31, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 18 sponsors

    3 primary, 15 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (17 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1306 added · 1308 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of House Bill 580, a few key changes were made regarding the counting of provisional ballots and the communication of election results. The requirement for the county board to keep provisional ballot counts confidential until 7:30 PM on election day is reinforced, ensuring that there is no premature disclosure of results. Additionally, the bill clarifies that county boards can start preparing for counting provisional ballots cast during early voting, but this must be done without revealing information to unauthorized individuals. These updates aim to maintain the integrity of the election process and ensure transparency while preventing any potential influence on voters.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA H.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 1 HOUSE BILL 580 Short Title:
580 Mar 31, 2025 SESSION 2025 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK H D HOUSE BILL DRH40313-LU-93 Short Title:
Representative Dahle.
Representatives Dahle, Baker, Buansi, and Rubin (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS ELECTIONS LAW CHANGES, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House April 1, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS ELECTIONS LAW CHANGES, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
"(c) The official register required by this section section, along with any other information in the possession of the State Board or a county board which would disclose that an identifiable voter has requested an absentee ballot, shall be confidential and not a public record until the opening of the voting place in accordance with G.S.
"(c) The official register required bythis section section, along with anyother information in the possession of the State Board or a county board which would disclose that an identifiable voter has requested an absentee ballot, shall be confidential and not a public record until the opening of the voting place in accordance with G.S.
Vote counting of ballots cast during early voting may commence between the hours of 9:00 A.M.
Vote countingof ballots cast during early votingmaycommence between the hours of 9:00 A.M.
on election day upon the adoption of a resolution at least two days before the election in which the hour and place of counting the ballots shall be stated.
on election day upon the adoption of a resolution at least two days before the election in which the hour *H580-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 and place of counting the ballots shall be stated.
A copy of the resolution shall *DRH40313-LU-93* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 be posted on the county board's website and distributed to all persons required to receive notice under G.S.
A copy of the resolution shall be posted on the countyboard's website and distributed to all persons required to receive notice under G.S.
on the third fourth business day after the election.
on the third fourth business day after the Page 2 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 election.
Cure documentation may be transmitted via email to the county board if the deficiency Page 2 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 is one described in subdivision (3) of this subsection.
Cure documentation may be transmitted via email to the county board if the deficiency is one described in subdivision (3) of this subsection.
The notification of voters regarding curable deficiencies is an administrative task that may be performed by county board staff and is not required to be performed at an absentee meeting as provided for in subsection (f) of this section.
The notification of voters regardingcurable deficiencies is an administrative task that may be performed by county board staff and is not required to be performed at an absentee meeting as provided for in subsection (f) of this section.
(f) Required Meeting of County Board of Elections.
(f) Required Meeting of CountyBoard of Elections.
163-234, as amended by Section 3A.4(g) of S.L.
163-234, as amended bySection 3A.4(g) of S.L.
Any elector of the county shall be permitted to attend the meeting and allowed to observe the counting process, so long as the elector does not in any manner interfere with the election officials in the discharge of their duties.
Anyelector of the countyshall be permitted to attend the meeting and allowed to observe the counting process, so long as the elector does not in any manner interfere with the election officials in the discharge of their duties.
A copy of the resolution shall be published once a week for two weeks prior to the election, in a newspaper having general circulation in the DRH40313-LU-93 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 county.
A copy of the resolution shall be published once a week for two House Bill 580-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 weeks prior to the election, in a newspaper having general circulation in the county.
Persons appointed to these offices must be registered voters and residents of thecounty in which theprecinct is located,ofgood repute, and ableto read andwrite.
Persons appointed to these offices must be registered voters and residents of thecountyin which theprecinct is located,of good repute, and ableto readandwrite.
… (c) The chairman chair of each of the two political party parties in the county having the greatest numbers of registered voters in the State, where possible possible, shall recommend two Page 4 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 four registered voters in each precinct who are otherwise qualified, are residents of the precinct, havegood moral character,and areableto readand write,for appointment as chiefjudge orjudge in the precinct, and he shall also recommend where possible the same number of similarly qualified voters for appointment as judges of election in that precinct.
… Page 4 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) The chairman chair of each of the two political party parties in the county having the greatest numbers of registered voters in the State, where possible possible, shall recommend two four registered voters in each precinct who are otherwise qualified, are residents of the precinct, have good moral character,and areableto readand write,for appointment as chiefjudge orjudge in the precinct, and he shall also recommend where possible the same number of similarly qualified voters for appointment as judges of election in that precinct.
If any person appointed chief judge shall fail to be present at the voting place at the hour of opening the polls on primary or election day, or if a vacancy in that office shall occur on primary or election day for any reason whatever, the precinct judges of election shall appoint another to act as chief judge until such time as the chairman chair of the county board of elections shall appoint to fill the vacancy.
If any person appointed chief judge shall fail to be present at the voting place at the hour of opening the polls on primary or election day, or if a vacancy in that office shall occur on primary or election day for any reason whatever, the precinct judges of election shall appoint another to act as chief judge until such time as the chairman chair of the county board of elections shall House Bill 580-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 appoint to fill the vacancy.
If such appointment by the chairman chair of the county board of elections is not a person nominated by the county chairman chair of the political party of the DRH40313-LU-93 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 vacating officer, then the term of office of the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall expire upon the conclusion of the next canvass held by the county board of elections under this Chapter.
If such appointment by the chairman chair of the county board of elections is not a person nominated by the county chairman chair of the political party of the vacating officer, then the term of office of the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall expire upon the conclusion of the next canvass held bythe county board of elections under this Chapter.
If, after diligently seeking to fill the positions with registered voters of the precinct, the county board still has an insufficient number of precinct assistants for the precinct, the county board by unanimous vote of all of its members may appoint to the positions registered voters in other precincts in the same county who meet the qualifications other than residence to be precinct officials in the precinct.
If, after diligently seeking to fill the positions with registered voters of the precinct, the county board still has an insufficient number of precinct assistants for the precinct, the county board by unanimous vote of all of its members may appoint to the positions registered voters in other precincts in the same countywho meet the qualifications other than residence to be precinct officials in the precinct.
The State Board of Elections shall determine for each election the number of emergency election-day assistants each county may have, based on population, expected turnout, and complexity of election duties.
The State Board of Elections shall determine for each election the number of emergencyelection-dayassistants each county may have, based on population, expected turnout, and complexity of election duties.
A county board of elections shall apportion the appointments as emergency election-day assistant among registrants of each political party so as to make possible the staffing of each precinct with officials of more than one party, and the Page 6 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 county board shall make assignments so that no precinct has precinct officials all of whom are registered affiliated with or recommended by the same party.
A county board of elections shall apportion Page 6 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 the appointments as emergency election-day assistant among registrants of each political party so as to make possible the staffing of each precinct with officials of more than one party, and the county board shall make assignments so that no precinct has precinct officials all of whom are registered affiliated with or recommended by the same party.
…." 5 PART IV.
…." 7 PART IV.
– When a registered voter presents to vote in person,the registered votershall produce anyofthefollowing forms ofidentificationthatcontain a photograph of the registered voter:
– When a registered voter presents to vote in person,the registered votershall produce anyofthefollowing forms ofidentification that contain a photograph of the registered voter:
of this section by Session Laws 2019-22, s.
of this section bySession Laws 2019-22, s.
(a) The State Board shall approve the use of student identification cards identifications issued by a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, a community college, as DRH40313-LU-93 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 defined in G.S.
House Bill 580-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) The State Board shall approve the use of student identification cards identifications issued by a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, a community college, as defined in G.S.
Theidentificationcardsidentificationsthatareissuedbytheuniversity or college contain photographs of students obtained by the university or college or its agents or contractors, provided the photograph obtained (i) is a frontal image that includes the student's face and (ii) represents a clear, accurate likeness of the student to whom the identification card is issued.
Theidentificationcards identificationsthatareissuedbytheuniversity or college contain photographs of students obtained by the university or college or its agents or contractors, provided the photograph obtained (i) is a frontal image that includes the student's face and (ii) represents a clear, accurate likeness of the student to whom the identification card is issued.
The cards identifications issued by the university or college on or after January 1, 2021, contain a date of expiration.
The cards identifications issued bythe universityor college on or after January 1, 2021, contain a date of expiration.
The State Board shall permit a university or college with no changes to the prior election cycle's approval to submit a statement indicating no changes have been made by the university or college.
The State Board shall permit a university or college with no changes to the prior election cycle's approval to submit a statement indicating no changes have been made by the university or Page 8 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 college.
When the State Board approves for use the student identification cards identifications issued by a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, a community college, as Page 8 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 defined in G.S.
When the State Board approves for use the student identification cards identifications issued by a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, a community college, as defined in G.S.
163-166.16, such approval shall be valid for the period from January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
163-166.16, such approval shall be valid for the period from January1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
f.
House Bill 580-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 f.
The cards identifications issued by the state or local government entity or charter school on or after January 1, 2021, contain a date of expiration.
The cards identifications issued bythe state or local government entity or charter school on or after January 1, 2021, contain a date of expiration.
DRH40313-LU-93 Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 g.
g.
163-166.16, such approval shall be valid for the period from January 1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
163-166.16, such approval shall be valid for the period from January1 of an odd-numbered year through December 31 of the next even-numbered year.
"(k) Notwithstanding theprovisions containedin Article20 orArticle21Aofthis Chapter, the State Board shall be authorized, by resolution adopted prior to the printing of the primary ballots, to reduce the time by which absentee ballots are required to be printed and distributed for the primary election from 50 days to 45 days.
"(k) Notwithstandingtheprovisions containedin Article20orArticle21Aofthis Chapter, the State Board shall be authorized, by resolution adopted prior to the printing of the primary ballots, to reduce the time by which absentee ballots are required to be printed and distributed for the primary election from 50 days to 45 days.
This authority shall not be authorized for absentee ballots to be voted in the general election, except if the law requires ballots to be available for mailing 60 days before the general election, and the absentee ballots are not ready by that date, the State Board shall allow the counties to mail absentee ballots out as soon as the absentee ballots are available.days, if unforeseen circumstances make compliance with the 50-day deadline impracticable." Page 10 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 7.2.
This authority shall not be authorized for absentee ballots to be voted in the general election, except if the law requires ballots to be available for mailing 60 days before the general election, and the absentee ballots are not ready Page 10 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 by that date, the State Board shall allow the counties to mail absentee ballots out as soon as the absentee ballots are available.days, if unforeseen circumstances make compliance with the 50-day deadline impracticable." SECTION 7.2.
"(a) If any person nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns,orforanyreason becomesineligibleordisqualifiedbeforethedate oftheensuinggeneral election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:
"(a) If anyperson nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns, orforanyreason becomesineligibleordisqualifiedbeforethedate oftheensuinggeneral election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:
If a vacancy occurs in a nomination of a political party and that vacancy arises from a cause other than death and the vacancy in nomination occurs more than 120 days before the general election, the vacancy in nomination may be filled under this section only if the appropriate executive committee certifies the name of the nominee in accordance with this paragraph at least 75 days before the general election." SECTION 7.4.
If a vacancy occurs in a nomination of a political party and that vacancy arises from a cause other than death and the vacancy in nomination occurs more than 120 days before the general election, the vacancy in nomination may be filled under this section onlyif the appropriate executive committee certifies the name of the nominee in accordance with this paragraph at least 75 days before the general election." SECTION 7.4.
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If the vacancy occurs after the time for filing notice of candidacy in the primary has expired in a year when a regular election is not being held to elect a clerk of the superior court by expiration of term, then the county executive committee of each political party shall nominate a candidate whose name shall appear on the general election ballot.
If the vacancy occurs after the time for filing notice of candidacy in the primaryhas expired in a year when a regular election is not being held to elect a clerk of the superior court by expiration of term, then the county executive committee of each political party shall nominate a candidate whose name shall appear on the general election ballot.
(d) If a vacancy occurs on a county board of commissioners and G.S.
House Bill 580-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (d) If a vacancy occurs on a county board of commissioners and G.S.
163-106.2, a nomination shall be made by the county executive committee of each DRH40313-LU-93 Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 political party and the names of the nominees shall be printed on the general election ballots.ballots, subject to the deadline in G.S.
163-106.2, a nomination shall be made by the county executive committee of each political party and the names of the nominees shall be printed on the general election ballots.ballots, subject to the deadline in G.S.
163-106.2, a nomination shall be made by the State executive committee of each political party and the names of the nominees shall be printed on the general election ballots.ballots, subject to the deadline in G.S.
163-106.2, a nomination shall be made bythe State executive committee of each political party and the names of the nominees shall be printed on the general election ballots.ballots, subject to the deadline in G.S.
No candidate withdrawal or replacement shall be permitted after the deadline in G.S.
No Page 12 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 candidate withdrawal or replacement shall be permitted after the deadline in G.S.
Page 12 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) A board of elections shall provide absentee ballots of the kinds needed 60 days prior to the statewide general election in even-numbered years and 50 days prior to the date on which any other election shall be conducted, unless 45 days is authorized by the State Board under G.S.
(a) A board of elections shall provide absentee ballots of the kinds needed 60 days prior to the statewide general election in even-numbered years and 50 days prior to the date on which any other election shall be conducted, unless 45 days is authorized by the State Board under G.S.
– In time for use not later than 60 50 days before a statewide general election in an even-numbered year, and not later than 50 days before a statewide primary, other general election or county bond election, an election, the county board of elections shall print a sufficient number of envelopes in which persons casting absentee ballots may transmit their marked ballots to the county board of elections.
– In time for use not later than 60 50 days before a statewide general election in an even-numbered year, and not later than 50 days before a statewide primary, other general election or countybond election, an election, the countyboard of elections shall print a sufficient number of envelopes in which persons casting absentee ballots may transmit their marked ballots to the county board of elections.
… The county board may receive completed written request forms for applications at any time prior to the election but shall not mail applications and absentee ballots to the voter or issue applications and absentee ballots in person earlier than 60 days prior to the statewide general election in an even-numbered year, or earlier than 50 days prior to any other before an election.
… House Bill 580-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 The county board may receive completed written request forms for applications at any time prior to the election but shall not mail applications and absentee ballots to the voter or issue applications and absentee ballots in person earlier than 60 days prior to the statewide general election in an even-numbered year, or earlier than 50 days prior to any other before an election.
DRH40313-LU-93 Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 No election official shall issue applications for absentee ballots except in compliance with this Article." SECTION 7.11.
No election official shall issue applications for absentee ballots except in compliance with this Article." SECTION 7.11.
"(a) Not later than 60 days before the statewide general election in even-numbered years and not later than 50 days before any other election, except for a second primary, the county board of elections shall transmit a ballot and balloting materials to all covered voters who by that date submit a valid military-overseas ballot application, except for a second primary.
"(a) Not later than 60 days before the statewide general election in even-numbered years and not later than 50 days before any other election, except for a second primary, the county board of elections shall transmit a ballot and balloting materials to all covered voters who bythat date submit a valid military-overseas ballot application, except for a second primary.
unless 45 days is authorized by the State Board under G.S.
unless 45 days is authorized bythe State Board under G.S.
163-115.5, and should the deceased or disqualified candidate receive enough votes to be elected, the board of elections shall declare the office vacant, and it shall be filled as provided by law." PART VIII.
163-115.5, and should the deceased or disqualified candidate receive enough votes to be elected, the board of elections shall declare the office vacant, and it shall be filled as provided by law." Page 14 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 PART VIII.
Page 14 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(a) The names of candidates for electors of President and Vice-President nominated by any political party recognized in this State under G.S.
"(a) The names of candidates for electors of President and Vice-President nominated by any political party recognized in this State under G.S.
163-1(c) by acandidateforPresident oftheUnitedStates whohas qualifiedto havehisorhernameprinted on the general election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate under G.S.
163-1(c) byacandidateforPresident oftheUnitedStates whohas qualifiedto havehisorhernameprinted on the general election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate under G.S.
A vote for the candidates named on the ballot shall be a vote for the electors of the party or unaffiliated candidate by which those candidates were nominated and whose names have been filed with the Secretary of State." PART IX.
A vote for the candidates named on the ballot shall be a vote for the electors of the partyor unaffiliated candidate bywhich those candidates were nominated and whose names have been filed with the Secretary of State." PART IX.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, a candidate for a district court judge, superior court judge, county office, municipal office, local school board office, soil and water conservation district board of supervisors, orsanitary district boardshall be exempted from thereports of contributions, loans,and expenditures required in G.S.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, a candidate for a district court judge, superior court judge, county office, municipal office, local school board office, soil and water conservation district board of supervisors, orsanitarydistrict boardshall be exemptedfrom thereports of contributions, loans,and expenditures required in G.S.
provided that any contribution, loan, or expenditure which would have been required to be reported on an earlier report but for this section shall be included on the next report required after the intent changes or the threshold is exceeded.
provided that any contribution, loan, or expenditure which House Bill 580-First Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 would have been required to be reported on an earlier report but for this section shall be included on the next report required after the intent changes or the threshold is exceeded.
…." DRH40313-LU-93 Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 2 PART X.
…." 5 PART X.
… (d) Contributions or independent expenditures required to be reported under this section shall bereported within 30 days afterthey exceedone hundred dollars($100.00) thousanddollars ($1,000) or 10 days before an election the contributions or independent expenditures affect, whichever occurs earlier.
… (d) Contributions or independent expenditures required to be reported under this section shall bereported within 30 days aftertheyexceedone hundred dollars($100.00) thousanddollars ($1,000) or 10 days before an election the contributions or independent expenditures affect, whichever occurs earlier.
(4) Anypetition under G.S.
(4) Anypetition underG.S.
163-122to havethe name ofan unaffiliated candidate placed on the general election ballot, or under G.S.
163-122to havethe name ofan unaffiliatedcandidate placed on the general election ballot, or under G.S.
… (17) For any person to be compensated based on the number of signatures obtained on a petition authorized under this Chapter." PART XII.
… (17) For anyperson to be compensated based on the number of signatures obtained on a petition authorized under this Chapter." PART XII.
(a) Definition.
Page 16 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) Definition.
… Page 16 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (2) Any group of voters which shall have filed with the State Board of Elections petitions for the formulation of a new political party which are signed by registered and qualified voters in this State equal in number to one-quarter of onepercent (0.25%)ofthetotal numberofvoters whovotedin themost recent general election for Governor.
… (2) Any group of voters which shall have filed with the State Board of Elections petitions for the formulation of a new political party which are signed by registered and qualified voters in this State equal in number to one-quarter of onepercent (0.25%)ofthetotal numberofvoters whovotedin themost recent general election for Governor.
To be effective, the petitioners must file their petitions with the State Board of Elections before 12:00 noon on the first day of June May preceding the day on which is to beheld the first general Stateelectionin which thenewpolitical party desires to participate.
To be effective, the petitioners must file their petitions with the State Board of Elections before 12:00 noon on the first dayof June May preceding the day on which is to beheld the first general Stateelectionin which thenewpolitical party desires to participate.
Thepetitions must specify thenameselected fortheproposedpolitical party.TheStateBoard of Elections shall reject petitions for the formation of a new party if the name chosen contains any word that appears in the name of any existing political party recognized in this State or if, in the State Board's opinion, the name is so similar to that of an existing political party recognized in this State as to confuse or mislead the voters at an election.
Thepetitions must specifythe nameselected fortheproposedpolitical party.TheState Board of Elections shall reject petitions for the formation of a new party if the name chosen contains any word that appears in the name of any existing political party recognized in this State or if, in the State Board's opinion, the name is so similar to that of an existing political party recognized in this State as to confuse or mislead the voters at an election.
Provided the petitions are timely submitted, the chairman of the county board of elections shall proceed to examine and verify the signatures under the provisions of this subsection.
Provided the petitions are timely submitted, the chairman of the county board of elections shall proceed to examine and House Bill 580-First Edition Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 verify the signatures under the provisions of this subsection.
DRH40313-LU-93 Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "(a) Procedure for Having Name Printed on Ballot as Unaffiliated Candidate.
"(a) Procedure for Having Name Printed on Ballot as Unaffiliated Candidate.
Thesubmitted,the chair ofthecounty boardof elections shall examine the names on the petition and place a check mark on the petition by the name of each signer who is qualified and registered to vote in the chair's county and shall attach to the petition the chair's signed certificate.
Thesubmitted,the chair ofthecountyboardof elections shall examine the names on the petition and place a check mark on the petition by the name of each signer who is qualified and registered to vote in the chair's county and shall attach to the petition the chair's signed certificate.
For district offices other than General Assembly seats, petitions must be filed with the State Board of Elections on or before 12:00 noon on the day of the primary election 5:00 P.M.
For district offices other than General Assembly seats, petitions must be filed with the State Board of Elections on Page 18 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 or before 12:00 noon on the day of the primary election 5:00 P.M.
on the twentieth business day after canvass of the primary and must be signed by qualifiedvoters ofthedistrictequalin numbertooneandahalfpercent(1.5%) Page 18 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 of the total number of registered voters in the district as reflected by the voter registration records of the State Board of Elections as of January 1 of the year in which the general election is to be held.
on the twentieth business day after canvass of the primary and must be signed by qualifiedvoters ofthedistrictequalin numbertooneandahalfpercent(1.5%) of the total number of registered voters in the district as reflected by the voter registration records of the State Board of Elections as of January 1 of the year in which the general election is to be held.
For General Assembly seats in which the district lies in more than one county, petitions must be filed with the State Board of Elections on or before 12:00 noon on the day of the primary election 5:00 P.M.
For General Assembly seats in which the district lies in more than one county, petitions must be filed with the State Board of Elections on or before 12:00 noon on the dayof the primary election 5:00 P.M.
(3) Iftheoffice is acounty officeor asingle county legislativedistrict, filewritten petitions with the chair or director of the county board of elections supporting the voter's candidacy for a specified county office.
(3) If theoffice is acountyofficeor asingle countylegislativedistrict, filewritten petitions with the chair or director of the county board of elections supporting the voter's candidacy for a specified county office.
on theday oftheprimaryandmust besignedbythenumberofqualifiedvoters specified in G.S.
on thedayoftheprimaryandmust besignedbythe numberofqualifiedvoters specified in G.S.
The chair or director of the county board of elections shall verify the filed petition no later than 15 business days after canvass the primary and shall otherwise proceed as provided in sub-subdivision b.ofsubdivision (1)ofthis subsection,andshall returnacopy of each petition, together with a copy of the certificate required in this section, to the person who presented it to the county board of elections.subsection.
The chair or director of the county board of elections shall verify the filed petition no later than 15 business days after canvass the primary and shall otherwise proceed as provided in sub-subdivision b.ofsubdivision (1)ofthis subsection,andshall returnacopy of each petition, together with a copyof the certificate required in this section, to the person who presented it to the county board of elections.subsection.
(5) If the office is a superior court judge or a district court judge, regardless of whether the district lies entirely in one county or in more than one county, file written petitions with the State Board of Elections supporting that voter's candidacy for a specified office.
House Bill 580-First Edition Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (5) If the office is a superior court judge or a district court judge, regardless of whether the district lies entirely in one county or in more than one county, file written petitions with the State Board of Elections supporting that voter's candidacy for a specified office.
These petitions must be filed with the State DRH40313-LU-93 Page 19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Board of Elections on or before 12:00 noon on the day of the primary election 5:00 P.M.
These petitions must be filed with the State Board of Elections on or before 12:00 noon on the day of the primary election 5:00 P.M.
In citiesconducting partisanelections, anyqualifiedvoterwhoseeks to have his nameprinted on the regular municipal election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate may do so in the manner provided in G.S.
In citiesconductingpartisanelections, anyqualifiedvoterwhoseeks to have his nameprinted on the regular municipal election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate may do so in the manner provided in G.S.
163-122, except that the petitions and affidavits shall be filed not later than 12:00 noon on the Friday preceding the seventh Saturday before the election, and the petitions shall be signed by a number of qualified voters of the municipality equal to at least one and a half percent (1.5%) of the whole number of voters qualified to vote in the municipal election according to the voter registration records of the State Board of Elections as of January 1 of the year in which thegeneral municipalelectionis held.Apersonwhosename appeared ontheballot in a primary election is not eligible to have his name placed on the regular municipal election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate for the same office in that year.
163-122, except that the petitions and affidavits shall be filed not later than 12:00 noon on the Friday preceding the seventh Saturday before the election, and the petitions shall be signed bya number of qualified voters of the municipalityequal to at least one and a half percent (1.5%) of the whole number of voters qualified to vote in the municipal election according to the voter registration records of the State Board of Elections as of January 1 of the year in which the general municipalelectionis held.Apersonwhosename appeared on theballot in a primary election is not eligible to have his name placed on the regular municipal election ballot as an unaffiliated candidate for the same office in that year.
The State Board of Elections shall examine and verify the signatures on the petition, and shall certify only the names of signers who are found to be qualified registered voters in the municipality.
The State Board of Elections shall examine and verifythe signatures on the petition, and shall certifyonlythe names of signers who are found to be qualified registered voters in the municipality.
– The State Board shall calculate and assess the amount of the civil penalty due under subsection (a) or (b) of this section and shall notify the person who is assessed thecivil penalty oftheamount.Thenoticeofassessment shall beserved by anymeans authorized under G.S.
– The State Board shall calculate and assess the amount of the civil penalty due under subsection (a) or (b) of this section and shall notify the person who is assessedthecivil penaltyoftheamount.Thenoticeofassessment shall beservedbyanymeans authorized under G.S.
If the State Board does not find good cause for a waiver, the State Board shall send notice by any means authorized under G.S.
If the State Board does not find good cause for a waiver, the State Board shall send notice by anymeans authorized under G.S.
For a civil penalty assessed under subsection (b) of this section, the notice of assessment shall direct the violator either to pay the assessment orcontest the assessmentwithin30days byfiling apetition foracontestedcaseunder Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
For a civil penalty assessed under Page 20 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 subsection (b) of this section, the notice of assessment shall direct the violator either to pay the assessment orcontest the assessmentwithin30days byfiling apetition fora contestedcaseunder Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
If a violator does not pay a civil penalty assessed by the State Board within 30 days after it is due, the State Board shall request the Page 20 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 Attorney General to institute a civil action to recover the amount of the assessment.
If a violator does not pay a civil penalty assessed by the State Board within 30 days after it is due, the State Board shall request the Attorney General to institute a civil action to recover the amount of the assessment.
– When called upon to investigate or hear sworn alleged violations of this Chapter, the State Board shall may meet and hear the matter in the county in which the violations are alleged to have occurred.occurred upon the prior written request of any three members.
– When called upon to investigate or hear sworn alleged violations of this Chapter, the State Board shall may meet and House Bill 580-First Edition Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 hear the matter in the county in which the violations are alleged to have occurred.occurred upon the prior written request of any three members.
…." DRH40313-LU-93 Page 21 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 PART XVI.
…." 5 PART XVI.
163-231(b)(2) may bechallengednolaterthan5:00 P.M.
163-231(b)(2) maybechallengednolaterthan5:00 P.M.
onthenext business dayfollowing the deadline for receipt of such absentee ballots." PART XVII.
on thenext business dayfollowing the deadline for receipt of such absentee ballots." PART XVII.
If an individual seeking to vote claims to be a registered voter in a jurisdiction as provided in G.S.
Page 22 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 If an individual seeking to vote claims to be a registered voter in a jurisdiction as provided in G.S.
163-82.1 and though eligible to vote in the election does not appear on the official list of eligible registered voters in the voting place, that individual may cast a provisional official ballot as follows:
163-82.1 and though eligible to vote in the election does not appear on the official list of eligible registered voters in the voting place, that individual maycast a provisional official ballot as follows:
Page 22 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 … (6) The county board of elections shall count the individual's provisional official ballot for all ballot items on which it determines that the individual was eligible under State or federal law to vote." SECTION 17.1.(c) G.S.
… (6) The county board of elections shall count the individual's provisional official ballot for all ballot items on which it determines that the individual was eligible under State or federal law to vote." SECTION 17.1.(c) G.S.
Eligibility shall be determined by whether the voter is registered in the county as provided in G.S.
Eligibilityshall be determined by whether the voter is registered in the county as provided in G.S.
163-119 mayalso votein theprimary ifthevoteris otherwise eligibletovotein thatprimary except for subdivisions (2) and (3) of the previous paragraph.
163-119 mayalso votein theprimaryifthevoteris otherwise eligibletovotein thatprimary except for subdivisions (2) and (3) of the previous paragraph.
In addition, persons who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, who do not register during the special period may register to vote after such period as if they were qualified on the basis of age, but until they are qualified by age to vote, they may vote only in primary elections.
In addition, persons who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election House Bill 580-First Edition Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 for which the primary is held, who do not register during the special period may register to vote after such period as if they were qualified on the basis of age, but until they are qualified by age to vote, they may vote only in primary elections.
163-82.6B." DRH40313-LU-93 Page 23 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 SECTION 17.2.(b) G.S.
163-82.6B." SECTION 17.2.(b) G.S.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validly submitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election, (2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty-fifth day before the primary or election, (3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section." SECTION 17.3.(a) G.S.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validlysubmitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election, (2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty-fifth day before the primary or election, (3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section." SECTION 17.3.(a) G.S.
The application shall state in clear language the penalty for violation of this section.
The application shall state in clear language the penalty for violation of this Page 24 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 section.
If a previous address is listed, and it is not in the county of residence of the applicant, the appropriate county board of elections shall treat the application as an authorization to cancel theprevious registrationand also Page 24 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 process it as such under the procedures of G.S.
If a previous address is listed, and it is not in the county of residence of the applicant, the appropriate county board of elections shall treat the application as an authorization to cancel theprevious registration and also process it as such under the procedures of G.S.
163-82.6(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
163-82.6(d)(2) shall be treated as timelymade for an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
All applications shall be forwarded by the Department of Transportation to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board of Elections.
All applications shall be forwarded by the Department of Transportation to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, accordingto rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board of Elections.
… (e) Prohibitions.
… House Bill 580-First Edition Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (e) Prohibitions.
(1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration, except that this shall not be construed to prevent the notice provided by DRH40313-LU-93 Page 25 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 G.S.
(1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration, except that this shall not be construed to prevent the notice provided by G.S.
(g) Transmittal From Agency to Board of Elections.
(g) Transmittal From Agencyto Board of Elections.
– Any voter registration or preregistration application completed at a voter registration agency shall be accepted by that agency in lieu of the applicant's mailing the application.
– Anyvoter registration or preregistration application completed at a voter registration agency shall be accepted by that agency in lieu of the applicant's mailing the application.
An overseas voter who, before leaving the United States, would have been last eligible to vote in this State had the voter then been of voting age and, except for a State residency requirement, otherwise satisfies this State's voter eligibility requirements.
An overseas voter who, before leaving the United States, would have been last eligible to vote in this State had the voter then been of voting Page 26 House Bill 580-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 age and, except for a State residency requirement, otherwise satisfies this State's voter eligibility requirements.
of this subdivision, and, except Page 26 DRH40313-LU-93 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 for a State residency requirement, otherwise satisfies this State's voter eligibility requirements, if:
of this subdivision, and, except for a State residency requirement, otherwise satisfies this State's voter eligibility requirements, if:
DRH40313-LU-93 Page 27
House Bill 580-First Edition Page 27
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Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 15 co-sponsors · 161 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (15)

Not signed on (161)

161 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 580?
HB 580 is sponsored by James Roberson (Democratic), Marcia Morey (Democratic), Nasif Majeed (U), Carolyn G. Logan (Democratic), Zack Hawkins (Democratic), Pricey Harrison (Democratic), Julia Greenfield (Democratic), Sarah Crawford (Democratic), Maria Cervania (Democratic), Becky Carney (Democratic), Deb Butler (Democratic), Mary Belk (Democratic), Cynthia Ball (Democratic), Phil Rubin (Democratic), Allen Buansi (Democratic), Amber M. Baker (Democratic), Allison A. Dahle (Democratic), and Julie von Haefen (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 580?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 31, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 580?
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