NC H1089

Shifts burden of proof in candidacy challenges from the candidate to the challenger, who must prove by preponderance of evidence that the candidate is not qualified (except for residency challenges).

Requires sheriff candidates to disclose all felony convictions, including expunged felonies, with exceptions only for pardons of innocence or judicial determinations of actual innocence.

Allows county and state boards of elections to access confidential expungement records when candidate challenges are filed, and permits public disclosure of this information.

Clarifies that felons voting without restoration of citizenship rights must do so "with intent to commit fraud" to violate election law, effective December 1, 2018.

Requests the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee to study regulation of digital communications in electioneering and advertising disclosures, with a report due by January 1, 2019.