Bill > H958

This bill makes various changes to North Carolina election laws, covering several key areas. For ballot counting, the bill modifies procedures for initial counting of ballots, extending the timeframe for counting provisional and absentee ballots from three to five business days after an election. It introduces new rules for counting early voting and absentee ballots, including requirements that county boards cannot reveal vote counts before polls close. The bill prohibits rank choice voting in any election and requires a "return to sender" option on voter registration mailings. It also imposes new restrictions on election board members, preventing them from making statements that support or oppose candidates or influence voter turnout. For military and overseas voters, the bill now requires photo identification for ballot submission. Campaign finance changes include increasing the 48-hour reporting threshold for contributions from $1,000 to $2,000 and restricting contributions from foreign nationals. The bill also establishes a signature verification pilot program in 10 counties during the 2026 primary, where signature verification software will be used to check absentee ballot signatures, though no ballots will be rejected during this pilot. Additionally, the bill modifies rules for precinct officials, allows for their removal under certain circumstances, and requires more comprehensive training for election workers. Most provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, with some specific sections having different effective dates.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H958