NC H509

Reduces the signature requirement for new political parties from 2% to 0.25% of total voters who voted in the most recent general election for Governor or presidential electors.

Lowers the number of congressional districts required for new political party petitions from four to three districts, with a minimum of 200 registered voters per district.

Changes the deadline for filing new political party and unaffiliated candidate petitions from the last Friday in June to the third Friday in July preceding the general election.

Reduces signature requirements for unaffiliated candidates from 2% to 4% (statewide offices and district offices) or 4% (county offices) down to 0.25% of voters in the most recent general election for that specific office.

Moves the candidate certification deadline for new political parties from July 1 to September 1 prior to the general election.