All Roll Calls
Yes: 218 • No: 13
North DakotaHB 11652025 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT to amend and reenact section 4.1-20-16, subsection 1 of section 4.1-20-18, section 16.1-01-00.1, subsection 1 of section 16.1-01-09, section 16.1-01-15.1, subsection 3 of section 16.1-05-01, section 16.1-06-02, subdivision g of subsection 1 of section 16.1-06-04, section 16.1-07-07, subsection 4 of section 16.1-07-08, section 16.1-07-09, subsection 3 of section 16.1-07-21, section 16.1-07-24, subsection 2 of section 16.1-07-26, sections 16.1-11-27 and 16.1-11.1-04, subsection 1 of section 16.1-11.1-07, subsection 3 of section 16.1-12-02.2, and subsection 2 of section 16.1-13-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to absentee ballots, election practices and administration; and to repeal sections 16.1-07-30 and 40-21-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election notices and municipal voter registration.
Sponsored By: Scott Louser (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
Clearer ballots and weekly sample ballots
Ballots must show “Official Ballot,” the county, the precinct, the election date, and a line for an official’s initials. All non-absentee ballots must be initialed to count. County auditors publish the general election sample ballot once a week for two weeks, using the secretary of state’s form and district groupings. Local officials direct ballot printing, and the secretary of state oversees form and content. Printing a ballot that lists a known unqualified candidate is an infraction.
Faster removal of unfit election judges
If two or more qualified electors report a judge is disqualified, or the auditor finds it, the auditor must remove the judge at once. The auditor must appoint a qualified replacement from the same political party. If the removed judge took an oath, the inspector sends the oath or affidavit to the county state’s attorney.
No private money to run elections
State and local governments cannot take private grants or donations to run elections. They may use private buildings as polling places and accept food for poll workers or other nonmoney items that do not touch ballots or votes. Private entities cannot administer elections. Knowingly breaking the funding rule is a class A misdemeanor.
Deadline to file as a write-in
Anyone seeking a write-in spot for a legislative district office must file a certificate with the secretary of state. The certificate must list the candidate’s name, address, and signature. File by 4:00 p.m. on the twenty-first day before the election.
Tighter timing for ballot measure petitions
The secretary of state prepares a notarized signature form for initiative and referendum petitions. The secretary and attorney general review the petition title in 5 to 7 business days, not counting Saturdays. Sponsors must file the complete petition packet, including affidavits, within 15 business days, not counting Saturdays. Packets not filed in that window are withdrawn.
Absentee applications mailed; signature checks required
County auditors mail an absentee ballot application for every primary, general, and special election. Officials must use outgoing, return, and secrecy envelopes set by the secretary of state. The return envelope must show the official’s title and address and include a voter affidavit with a sworn residency statement, signature, and date. Election officials compare the signature on the return envelope to the signature on the absentee application.
Repeal of two election statutes
Two code sections are repealed: 16.1-07-30 and 40-21-10. This removes the prior rules those sections set for election notices and municipal voter registration.
Rules for district supervisor elections
District supervisor candidates must file a petition with 25 to 300 signatures from qualified electors. If the district crosses counties, file with the auditor where the candidate lives; auditors must certify the filer’s name and mailing address. After a general election, auditors must send certified vote totals to the secretary of state by 4:00 p.m. on the tenth day. The secretary of state canvasses and issues certificates; if the district spans counties, the winner’s home-county auditor issues the certificate.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Scott Louser
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Mike Lefor
Republican • House
Karen M. Rohr
Republican • House
Dan Ruby
Republican • House
Bernie Satrom
Republican • House
Austen Schauer
Republican • House
Steve Vetter
Republican • House
Keith Boehm
Republican • Senate
Jose L. Castaneda
Republican • Senate
David Hogue
Republican • Senate
Bob Paulson
Republican • Senate
Kristin Roers
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 85 nays 7
Yes: 85 • No: 7
Senate vote • 4/14/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4
Yes: 43 • No: 4
House vote • 1/28/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 90 nays 2
Yes: 90 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/28
4/30/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/28
4/29/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/25/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/25/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 85 nays 7
4/21/2025HouseConcurred
4/21/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/14/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4
4/14/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/14/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 1 0
4/11/2025SenateRereferred to State and Local Government
3/26/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
3/25/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 0 1
3/24/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 09:40
3/21/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred State and Local Government Committee
2/13/2025SenateReceived from House
1/29/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 90 nays 2
1/28/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
1/27/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 1 0
1/24/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 09:00
1/17/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee
1/7/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Political Subdivisions Committee
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Roers
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