SB 2178 — A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 16.1-02-12, 16.1-02-15, 16.1-03-21, and 16.1-07-05, subsection 1 of section 16.1-07-06, sections 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-21, 16.1-11-22, 16.1-11-24, 16.1-11-26, 16.1-11-29, and 16.1-11-30, subsection 2 of section 16.1-11-39, and sections 16.1-11-40, 16.1-11.1-02, and 16.1-12-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to data stored in the central voter file and primary election ballots.

Summary

Relating to data stored in the central voter file and primary election ballots.

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends various sections related to the central voter file and election processes, updating information required and procedures for ballots.

• 16.1-02-12

  four years of an individual's voting history, if applicable. → fourSix years of an individual's voting history, if applicable, including the political party associated with a ballot furnished to the voter under section 16.1-11-22.

  Increases the required duration of voting history recorded in the central voter file from four to six years.

• 16.1-02-15

  information identified under subsections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 of section 16.1-02-12, which may be made available to a candidate, political party, or political committee for election-related purposes, information in the central voter file is an exempt record. → information identified under subsections 1, 2, and 7 of section 16.1-02-12.

  Limits the types of information that may be accessed by candidates, political parties, or political committees for election-related purposes.

• 16.1-03-21

  included on the primary election ballot in a consolidated column. → included on thea separate primary election ballot in a consolidated columnfurnished under section 16.1-11-22 or on a special election ballot.

  Clarifies the process for candidate nominations regarding primary election ballots.

• 16.1-07-05

  the applicant wishes to vote by absentee ballot. → the applicant wishesdesires to vote by absentee ballot. If the individual requests a primary election ballot issued under section 16.1-11-22, the application form must provide the applicant the ability to indicate which primary election ballot the applicant desires to vote by absentee ballot.

  Refines the application process for absentee ballots to include explicit options for requesting primary election ballots.

• 16.1-07-06

  the status as a citizen of this country and resident of this state living outside the United States, a uniformed service member living away from the individual's North Dakota residence, or an immediate family member of the uniformed service member living away from the individual's North Dakota residence. → the applicant's status as a citizen of this country and resident of this state living outside the United States, a uniformed service member living away from the individual's North Dakota residence, or an immediate family member of the uniformed service member living away from the individual's North Dakota residence.

  Ensures consistent language regarding the applicant's status in the absentee ballot application.

Action History

1. January 24, 2025

   Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 4 nays 42

2. January 23, 2025

   Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar 6 0 0

3. January 23, 2025

   Committee Hearing 10:00

4. January 13, 2025

   Introduced, first reading, referred State and Local Government Committee

Sponsors

• Ben Koppelman · Cosponsor
• Matthew Heilman · Cosponsor
• Mark Enget · Cosponsor
• Chuck Walen · Primary

Votes

Subjects