NC H706

Creates two separate buffer zones around voting place entrances: 50 feet for political advertising (minimum 25 feet if impractical) and 200 feet for campaign literature distribution, voter solicitation, and other election-related activity.

Allows county boards of elections to provide a designated area adjacent to buffer zones where election-related activity is permitted, except at nonpublic buildings with special agreements approved by the State Board of Elections Executive Director.

Requires county boards to provide public notice at least 30 days before each election (10 days for one-stop voting sites) with information about buffer zone locations and where political activity is permitted.

Allows candidates and appointees appointed to fill vacancies in elective office to file Statements of Economic Interest within 30 days of appointment, instead of the standard April 15 deadline; changes the candidate filing deadline to no earlier than the first business day in January and no later than 45 days before the primary.

Directs the State Board of Elections to study and report by March 1, 2024, on the feasibility of adding photographs of registered voters to electronic poll books, including cost, obtaining photos from other agencies, and whether photo inclusion should be optional or required.