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Bill

HB 1240

Constitutional Amendment/Early Voting.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Eric Ager and 30 co-sponsors

Guarantees voters a constitutional right to in-person early voting in even-numbered years, with minimum 14 days, set hours, sites, staffing, and same-day registration.

Passed 1st Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1240

Overview

HB 1240 (Session 2025, North Carolina) proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee voters the right to early voting in primary and general elections. The measure would require minimum early voting periods, establish site operations and staffing standards, and authorize same-day registration and voting during early voting. The bill includes a referendum to be voted on November 3, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a constitutional right for all voters to cast an in-person early vote prior to election day in even-numbered years.
  • Ensure state and local election administrators provide adequate early voting opportunities and resources.
  • Allow same-day registration and voting during the early voting period.

Key Provisions

  • Section 5 (Article VI) rewritten to include:
    1. Right to early voting for all primary and general elections conducted in even-numbered years.
    2. Authorization for the General Assembly to appropriate funds to county boards of elections for administering early voting.
    3. County board responsibilities to guarantee access to early voting, including:
      • A minimum of 14 days of early voting before election day.
      • Designation of early voting site locations.
      • Staffing and hours meeting specific minimums:
      • Weekdays: sites open at least 8:00 AM to at least 7:30 PM, or until 6:00 PM if determined by the county board due to demand.
      • If Sunday voting occurs, all Sunday sites must have uniform hours.
      • Last Saturday before election day: sites open 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at a minimum.
      • Increased staffing, hours, and site availability as needed.
      • Provision for same-day voter registration and voting at any early voting site for individuals eligible to register.
  • Section 1.2. Referendum language to place the constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 statewide general election ballot with a choice of FOR or AGAINST.
    • The summarized amendment questions include:
    • Guarantee a minimum of 14 days for early voting.
    • Ensure designated minimum hours for early voting sites.
    • Authorize county boards of elections to establish sites, hours, and staffing.
    • Guarantee same-day registration during early voting.
  • Section 1.3–1.4. If voters approve, the amendment becomes effective upon certification by the State Board of Elections/Secretary of State.
  • Section 2. Effective date: Generally upon becoming law, with specific constitutional change contingent on the referendum result.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Voters: Gains a constitutional right to in-person early voting with a guaranteed period and practical access.
  • County Boards of Elections: Receive formal authority and funding to establish early voting sites, hours, staffing, and to implement same-day registration during early voting.
  • State and Local Election Administrators: Must plan and operate early voting consistent with the statute if the amendment passes.
  • The Secretary of State and State Board of Elections: Responsible for certifying referendum results and, if approved, enrolling the amendment.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Referendum required: The proposed amendment would be placed on the November 3, 2026 statewide general election ballot.
  • If voters approve, the amendment becomes effective upon certification (i.e., once the referendum results are certified).
  • If rejected, the amendment has no effect.
  • The bill includes detailed operational requirements for early voting hours, site availability, and same-day registration to be implemented by counties upon passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive Impacts:
    • Expanded access to voting through a guaranteed early voting window.
    • Convenience for voters due to increased site availability and hours.
    • Voter registration flexibility through same-day registration during early voting.
  • Potential Considerations:
    • Need for additional funding and staffing to meet minimum hours and site requirements.
    • Administrative coordination across counties to ensure consistent implementation.
    • Fiscal implications of appropriations by the General Assembly for early voting operations.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text as introduced and its stated referendum mechanism; it does not include any amendments or actions taken after the referenced date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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