HB 1312 Summary

• Eliminates early voting precincts and mail ballot election options, requiring qualified electors to vote at their residential precinct polling place, a county vote center, or by absentee ballot if eligible.

• Restricts absentee ballot eligibility to specific categories including armed forces members, individuals with disabilities, those unable to vote on election day due to employment or jury duty, hospitalized individuals, poll workers, and persons 65 years or older.

• Prohibits county auditors and clerks from issuing absentee ballots on election day except in emergency situations, with ballots required to be returned by 4 p.m. on election day.

• Requires absentee ballot applications to include an affirmation that the applicant meets one of the eligibility requirements under section 16.1-07-01.

• Creates new section 37-17.1-05.1 prohibiting the governor from suspending, amending, or revoking any statute related to voting rights or election procedures.