House Bill No. 1363 Summary

• Changes terminology from "voting places" to "polling places" throughout North Dakota election code and establishes that precincts must be created no later than December 31 of the year preceding an election cycle or 70 days before a special election.

• Requires polling places to be designated no later than 64 days before an election and authorizes counties to establish vote centers allowing qualified electors to vote at any county polling location in addition to their residential precinct.

• Expands Secretary of State duties to establish standards for voting precincts, polling places, precinct numbering, precinct maps, pollbooks, and election supplies, with county auditors required to comply with these standards.

• Modifies vacancy filling procedures for county commissioners by extending the deadline from 60 to 95 days before an election—vacancies occurring within 95 days of an election need not be filled unless necessary to conduct the election.

• Repeals section 16.1-04-03 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to election administration and increases penalties for violations of county auditor duties to offenses under section 12.1-11-06.