Raleigh – The N.C. State Board of Elections has proposed nine different changes to its voting guidelines and wants to hear public feedback concerning the amendments.
Among the proposals is the elimination of the Constitution and Green parties from future ballots – due to a low turnout in the 2020 general election – as well as new stipulations for “poll-watchers,” which are assigned to each precinct by their respective parties.
Included in the proposed changes are:
* 08 NCAC 01 .0107: Would clarify when a political party expires and set the timeline for changing the registration of voters affiliated with the expired parties. According to the rule, a party ceases to be a political party when the State Board certifies the general election in which the political party failed to poll for its candidate at least two percent of the entire vote cast in the state for governor or for presidential electors. If the political party submits documentation by the date of certification that it had a nominee on the ballot in at least 70 percent of states in the prior presidential election, it will not cease to be a political party.
* 08 NCAC 20 .0101: Would clarify the number of precinct-specific observers permitted and how the lists of observers are to be submitted. The proposed rule still allows three observers from each party to be at any site at one time.
* 08 NCAC Chapter 09: Would remove references to direct record electronic voting machines, clarifies the conduct of recounts and details how the county board of elections makes determinations of voter intent in hand-to-eye recounts. The proposed amendment would codify past guidance of the State Board.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0107: Would permit the use of electronic signatures in future campaign finance software.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0202: Would outline the process for closing a candidate or political committee, once it ends operations and disposes of its assets. The rule would also clarify limits on when a committee may close.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0203: Would require and set a deadline for a committee to file a new certification of threshold at the beginning of a new election cycle.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0401: Would clarify communications with State Board staff and opportunities for feedback from the committee during the campaign finance audit process.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0501: Clarifies disclosure legends on print media advertisements and defines a “billboard” as any sign, flat surface, or display larger than 2,160 square inches (15 square feet). The proposed rule would only apply to campaigns for state candidates, would not affect any advertisement supporting a candidate for president or Congress, and would only apply to advertising campaigns of a certain dollar value. Homemade signs or flags bought or made for less than $1,000 – even if they meet the definition of a billboard – would not require a disclosure legend and will not be subject to any penalty. An individual who unintentionally violates the law will not face criminal penalties.
* 08 NCAC 21 .0102, .0103, and .0104: Would clarify who may sign disclosure reports.
Through Tuesday, June 1, voters can make their voices heard at ncsbe.gov; via email, rules@ncsbe.gov, or my mailing: N.C. Board of Elections, Attention: Rulemaking Coordinator, P.O. Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255.
Additionally, a virtual public hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at bit.ly/2PqPEwz. Codes will be assigned after registration to determine whether you will speak during the hearing or only wish to listen.