AN ACT to amend and reenact section 4.1-20-16, subsection 1 of section 4.1-20-18, section 16.1-01-00.1, subsection 1 of section 16.1-01-09, section 16.1-01-15.1, subsection 3 of section 16.1-05-01, section 16.1-06-02, subdivision g of subsection 1 of section 16.1-06-04, section 16.1-07-07, subsection 4 of section 16.1-07-08, section 16.1-07-09, subsection 3 of section 16.1-07-21, section 16.1-07-24, subsection 2 of section 16.1-07-26, sections 16.1-11-27 and 16.1-11.1-04, subsection 1 of section 16.1-11.1-07, subsection 3 of section 16.1-12-02.2, and subsection 2 of section 16.1-13-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to absentee ballots, election practices and administration; and to repeal sections 16.1-07-30 and 40-21-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election notices and municipal voter registration.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Keith Boehm and 11 co-sponsors

North Dakota revises election administration rules governing absentee ballots, voting procedures, and voter registration while eliminating certain municipal election authority provisions.

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/28

Legislative bill overview

HB 1165 comprehensively revises North Dakota's election administration laws by modifying absentee ballot procedures, election practices, and administrative processes across multiple statute sections. The bill repeals provisions related to election notices and municipal voter registration while amending numerous election code sections governing ballot handling, voting procedures, and election administration.

Why is this important

Election administration changes directly affect voting accessibility, election integrity processes, and how citizens participate in democratic processes. These modifications impact both voters and election officials by potentially altering deadlines, procedures, and requirements for casting and counting votes.

Potential points of contention

Absentee ballot modifications – Changes to absentee voting procedures could either expand access or impose new restrictions depending on specific amendments, affecting convenience voting for disabled, elderly, and traveling voters

Voter registration changes – Repeal of municipal voter registration provisions may centralize registration processes, potentially creating administrative efficiencies or accessibility barriers depending on implementation

Procedural complexity – The bill amends 16 different statute sections, creating risk of unintended regulatory conflicts or implementation confusion for election officials across the state