North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1424

Introduced

1/13/25

Refer

1/13/25

Report DNP

2/24/25

Caption

Certificates of endorsement and the secretary of state's duty to place a candidate's name on a primary election ballot.

Impact

If passed, HB 1424 would substantially change the way candidates receive endorsements and secure their positions on primary ballots. It requires that an endorsing caucus be conducted following the political party's internal rules, with strict timelines for filing complaints and for the inquiry committee to act upon such complaints. The inclusion of a mandatory review process for complaints about endorsing caucuses aims to enhance accountability within party processes and ensure that candidates are endorsed following a legitimate and transparent procedure.

Summary

House Bill 1424 addresses the process of issuing certificates of endorsement by district political parties in North Dakota, specifically outlining the procedures for candidates seeking placement on primary election ballots. The bill enacts a new section to chapter 16.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code and amends existing sections to clarify the timeline and responsibilities of party officials, including the secretary of state. One of its central tenets is to establish a structured complaint and investigation procedure regarding the endorsement process, allowing individuals to challenge the legitimacy of an endorsing caucus if they believe it was not conducted correctly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1424 has been mixed, with supporters arguing that the bill introduces essential checks and balances within political parties, fostering a more fair and democratic endorsement process. Advocates believe it will enhance the integrity of elections by preventing manipulation and ensuring adherence to party rules. However, some critics express concern that the bill could complicate the endorsement process and potentially discourage candidates by creating additional barriers to entry, raising questions about the implications for local party autonomy and candidate participation.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between enforcing rigorous endorsement processes and preserving the flexibility of district party organizations. Critics argue that the bill might lead to bureaucratic hurdles that could limit candidate options and increase the potential for disputes, especially if a candidate's endorsement is challenged. The timeframes established for investigations may also generate concerns regarding their adequacy in the fast-paced electoral environment, raising debates about the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Latest ND HB1424 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1424

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1446

Party organization endorsements, certificates of endorsement, and the minimum vote required at a primary election for nomination.

ND SB2178

Data stored in the central voter file and primary election ballots.

ND SB2252

State party conventions and endorsing caucuses or conventions for primary and general elections.

ND HB1099

The printing of presidential candidate names on a general election ballot.

ND SF786

Major party candidates certification by a major party before being placed on the ballot requirement provision, ballot placement and petition requirements amendment provisions

ND HB130

Relative to the arrangement of candidates on primary election ballots

ND HB123

In county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in datesof elections and primaries and special elections, providing for authorization of ranked choice voting in municipal elections; in nomination of candidates, further providing for which candidates nominated; in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot; in electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for method of marking ballots and depositing same in districts in which ballots are used and for count and return of votes in districts in which ballots are used; and, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for persons receiving highest number of votes to be declared elected.

ND HB1751

Relating to a candidate's application for a place on the ballot for a party's primary election.

ND HB280

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, furth er providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; and, in penalties, further providing for election officers refusing to permit elector to vote in proper party at primaries and repealing provisions relating to elector voting ballot of wrong party at primary.

ND H819

Relative to random placement for candidate names and removal of incumbent information on primary and state ballots

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