Bill > H541

This bill introduces an optional top-two, same-day primary runoff method for political parties in North Carolina, allowing them to choose an alternative voting process when no candidate receives 30% of the vote in a primary. The method applies to most federal and state offices except presidential primaries, and enables voters to rank up to three candidates in order of preference. If no candidate initially reaches the 30% threshold, the two candidates with the most first-preference votes advance to a runoff, and ballots from eliminated candidates are then redistributed based on second and third preferences to determine the winner. Political parties can request this runoff method by filing a written request with the State Board of Elections within 21 days after the filing deadline. The State Board is required to develop an easy-to-understand ranking ballot that works with various voting equipment and create a voter education program. The bill also appropriates $410,000 for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to support implementation, with funds allocated for information technology development and statewide education and training. The new method will become effective for elections held on or after December 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H541