Bill > S107

This bill reestablishes nonpartisan judicial elections for appellate, superior, and district court judges in North Carolina and creates a public campaign financing system for judicial candidates. The bill establishes a detailed framework for judicial candidate filing, primary, and general election processes, including provisions for how candidates can get on the ballot through either paying a filing fee or gathering petition signatures. Candidates for judicial offices like the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals will be required to collect a specific number of qualifying contributions from registered voters to demonstrate grassroots support. The bill introduces a voluntary public campaign fund that provides financial support to candidates who agree to strict fundraising and spending limits, with a maximum contribution limit of $1,000 from individual donors (and up to $2,000 from family members). The public campaign fund will be financed through voluntary taxpayer designations, donations, and a $50 surcharge on attorney membership fees. Candidates can choose to participate in the public financing system, which provides base funding and potential matching funds if opposing candidates or outside groups spend more than a certain threshold. The new nonpartisan election system and public campaign fund will take effect for elections beginning in 2026, with the goal of reducing the influence of money in judicial elections and protecting the independence of the judiciary.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S107