reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-22.2 - Power of State Board to promulgate temporary rules and regulations.

§ 163-22.2. Power of State Board to promulgate temporary rules and regulations.
In the event any portion of Chapter 163 of the General Statutes or any State election law or form of election of any county board of commissioners, local board of education, or city officer is held unconstitutional or invalid by a State or federal court or is unenforceable because of objection interposed by the United States Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and such ruling adversely affects the conduct and holding of any pending primary or election, the State Board of Elections shall have authority to make reasonable interim rules and regulations with respect to the pending primary or election as it deems advisable so long as they do not conflict with any provisions of this Chapter 163 of the General Statutes and such rules and regulations shall become null and void 60 days after the convening of the next regular session of the General Assembly. (1981, c. 741; 1982, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 3, s. 19.1; c. 1265, ss. 1, 2; 1985, c. 563, s. 15; 1986, Ex. Sess., c. 3, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b); 2021-180, s. 18.7(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-22.3 - State Board of Elections littering notification.

§ 163-22.3. State Board of Elections littering notification.
At the time an individual files with the State Board of Elections a notice of candidacy pursuant to G.S. 163-106, 163-112, 163-291, or 163-294.2, is certified to the State Board of Elections by a political party executive committee to fill a nomination vacancy pursuant to G.S. 163-114, is certified to the State Board of Elections by a new political party as that party's nominee pursuant to G.S. 163-98, qualifies with the State Board of Elections as an unaffiliated or write-in candidate pursuant to Article 11 of this Chapter, or formally initiates a candidacy with the State Board of Elections pursuant to any statute or local act, the State Board of Elections shall notify the candidate of the provisions concerning campaign signs in G.S. 136-32 and G.S. 14-156, and the rules adopted by the Department of Transportation pursuant to G.S. 136-18. (2001-512, s. 7; 2017-3, s. 3; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-23 - Powers of chair in execution of Board duties.

§ 163-23. Powers of chair in execution of Board duties.
In the performance of the duties enumerated in this Chapter, the Chair of the State Board shall have power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, and compel the production of papers, books, records, and other evidence. Upon the written request or requests of two or more members of the State Board, the Chair shall issue subpoenas for designated witnesses or identified papers, books, records, and other evidence. In the absence of the Chair or upon the Chair's refusal to act, any two members of the State Board may issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, and compel the production of papers, books, records, and other evidence. In the absence of the Chair or upon the Chair's refusal to act, any member of the State Board may administer oaths. (1901, c. 89, s. 7; Rev., s. 4302; C.S., s. 5923; 1933, c. 165, s. 1; 1945, c. 982; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 4; 2017-6, ss. 4(c), 7(d); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 3.2(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-24 - Power of State Board of Elections to maintain order.

§ 163-24. Power of State Board of Elections to maintain order.
The State Board of Elections shall possess full power and authority to maintain order, and to enforce obedience to its lawful commands during its sessions, and shall be constituted an inferior court for that purpose. If any person shall refuse to obey the lawful commands of the State Board of Elections or its chairman, or by disorderly conduct in its hearing or presence shall interrupt or disturb its proceedings, it may, by an order in writing, signed by its chairman, and attested by its secretary, commit the person so offending to the common jail of the county for a period not exceeding 30 days. Such order shall be executed by any sheriff to whom the same shall be delivered, or if a sheriff shall not be present, or shall refuse to act, by any other person who shall be deputed by the State Board of Elections in writing, and the keeper of the jail shall receive the person so committed and safely keep him for such time as shall be mentioned in the commitment: Provided, that any person committed under the provisions of this section shall have the right to post a two hundred dollar ($200.00) bond with the clerk of the superior court and appeal to the superior court for a trial on the merits of his commitment. (1901, c. 89, s. 72; Rev., s. 4376; C.S., s. 5977; 1955, c. 871, s. 4; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1995, c. 379, s. 14(e); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-25 - Authority of State Board to assist in litigation.

§ 163-25. Authority of State Board to assist in litigation.
The State Board of Elections shall possess authority to assist any county board of elections in any matter in which litigation is contemplated or has been initiated, provided, the county board of elections in such county petitions, by majority resolution, for such assistance from the State Board of Elections and, provided further, that the State Board of Elections determines, in its sole discretion by majority vote, to assist in any such matter. It is further stipulated that the State Board of Elections shall not be authorized under this provision to enter into any litigation in assistance to counties, except in those instances where the uniform administration of this Chapter has been, or would be threatened.
The Attorney General shall provide the State Board of Elections with legal assistance in execution of its authority under this section or, in the Attorney General's discretion, recommend that private counsel be employed.
If the Attorney General recommends employment of private counsel, the State Board may employ counsel with the approval of the Governor. (1969, c. 408, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 6; 1983, c. 324, s. 2; 2011-31, s. 16; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-26 - Executive Director of State Board of Elections.

§ 163-26. Executive Director of State Board of Elections.
There is hereby created the position of Executive Director of the State Board, who shall perform all duties imposed by statute and such duties as may be assigned by the State Board. (1973, c. 1272, s. 4; 2001-319, s. 11; 2017-6, ss. 4(c), 7(e); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 3.2(d).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-27 - Executive Director to be appointed by State Board.

§ 163-27. Executive Director to be appointed by State Board.
(a) The State Board shall appoint an Executive Director for a term of two years with compensation to be determined by the Office of State Human Resources.
(b) The Executive Director shall serve beginning May 15 after the first meeting held after new appointments to the State Board are made, unless removed for cause, until a successor is appointed.
(c) The Executive Director shall be responsible for staffing, administration, and execution of the State Board's decisions and orders and shall perform such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the State Board.
(d) The Executive Director shall be the chief State elections official. (1973, c. 1409, s. 3; 1985, c. 62, s. 2; 2001-319, s. 11; 2017-6, ss. 4(c), 7(f); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 3.2(e).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-27.1 - Emergency powers.

§ 163-27.1. Emergency powers.
(a) The Executive Director, as chief State elections official, may exercise emergency powers to conduct an election in a district where the normal schedule for the election is disrupted by any of the following:
(1) A natural disaster.
(2) Extremely inclement weather.
(3) An armed conflict involving Armed Forces of the United States, or mobilization of those forces, including North Carolina National Guard and reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States.
In exercising those emergency powers, the Executive Director shall avoid unnecessary conflict with the provisions of this Chapter. The Executive Director shall adopt rules describing the emergency powers and the situations in which the emergency powers will be exercised.
(b) Nothing in this Chapter shall grant authority to the State Board of Elections to alter, amend, correct, impose, or substitute any plan apportioning or redistricting State legislative or congressional districts other than a plan imposed by a court under G.S. 120-2.4 or a plan enacted by the General Assembly.
(c) Nothing in this Chapter shall grant authority to the State Board of Elections to alter, amend, correct, impose, or substitute any plan apportioning or redistricting districts for a unit of local government other than a plan imposed by a court, a plan enacted by the General Assembly, or a plan adopted by the appropriate unit of local government under statutory or local act authority.
(d) Under no circumstances shall the Executive Director or the State Board of Elections have the authority to do any of the following:
(1) Deliver absentee ballots to an eligible voter who did not submit a valid written request form for absentee ballots as provided in G.S. 163-230.1 and G.S. 163-230.2.
(2) Order an election to be conducted using all mail-in absentee ballots. (1999-455, s. 23; 2001-319, s. 11; 2011-183, s. 110; 2016-125, 4th Ex. Sess., s. 20(d); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b); 2020-17, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 3 - State Board of Elections. › § 163-28 - State Board of Elections independent agency.

§ 163-28. State Board of Elections independent agency.
The State Board of Elections shall not be placed within any principal administrative department. The State Board shall exercise its statutory powers, duties, functions, and authority and shall have all powers and duties conferred upon the heads of principal departments under G.S. 143B-10. (1973, c. 1409, s. 2; 2017-6, ss. 4(c), 7(g); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 3.2(f).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-31 - Meetings of county boards of elections; quorum; minutes.

§ 163-31. Meetings of county boards of elections; quorum; minutes.
(a) In each county of the State the members of the county board of elections shall meet at the courthouse or board office at noon on the Tuesday following the third Monday in July in the year of their appointment and, after taking the oath of office provided in G.S. 163-30, they shall organize by electing one member secretary of the county board of elections.
(b) On the Tuesday following the third Monday in August of the year in which they are appointed the county board of elections shall meet and appoint precinct chief judges and judges of elections.
(c) The board may hold other meetings at such times as the chair of the board, or any three members thereof, may direct, for the performance of duties prescribed by law.
(d) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of board business. The chair shall notify, or cause to be notified, all members regarding every meeting to be held by the board.
(e) The county board of elections shall keep minutes recording all proceedings and findings at each of its meetings. The minutes shall be recorded in a book which shall be kept in the board office and it shall be the responsibility of the secretary, elected by the board, to keep the required minute book current and accurate. The secretary of the board may designate the director of elections to record and maintain the minutes under the secretary's supervision. (1901, c. 89, s. 11; Rev., ss. 4304, 4306; C.S., ss. 5925, 5927; 1921, c. 181, s. 2; 1923, c. 111, s. 1; 1927, c. 260, s. 1; 1933, c. 165, s. 2; 1941, c. 305, s. 1; 1945, c. 758, s. 2; 1953, c. 410, s. 1; c. 1191, s. 2; 1957, c. 182, s. 1; 1959, c. 1203, s. 1; 1966, Ex. Sess., c. 5, s. 2; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1969, c. 208, s. 2; 1975, c. 159, s. 2; 1977, c. 626; 1983, c. 617, s. 3; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 13; 1995, c. 243, s. 1; 2016-125, 4th Ex. Sess., s. 5(i); 2017-6, ss. 2, 3, 7(i); 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 4.3(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-32 - Compensation of members of county boards of elections.

§ 163-32. Compensation of members of county boards of elections.
In full compensation of their services, members of the county board of elections (including the chairman) shall be paid by the county twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per meeting for the time they are actually engaged in the discharge of their duties, together with reimbursement of expenditures necessary and incidental to the discharge of their duties; provided that members are not entitled to be compensated for more than one meeting held in any one 24-hour period. In its discretion, the board of county commissioners of any county may pay the chairman and members of the county board of elections compensation in addition to the per meeting and expense allowance provided in this paragraph.
In all counties the board of elections shall pay its clerk, assistant clerks, and other employees such compensation as it shall fix within budget appropriations. Counties which adopt full-time and permanent registration shall have authority to pay directors of elections whatever compensation they may fix within budget appropriations. (1901, c. 89, s. 11; Rev., s. 4303; C.S., s. 5925; 1923, c. 111, s. 1; 1933, c. 165, s. 2; 1941, c. 305, s. 1; 1945, c. 758, s. 2; 1953, c. 410, s. 1; c. 843; c. 1191, s. 2; 1955, c. 800; 1957, c. 182, s. 1; 1959, c. 1203, s. 1; 1963, c. 303, s. 1; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1971, c. 1166, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 8; c. 1344, s. 5; 1977, c. 626, s. 1; 1991, c. 338, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 14; 1995, c. 243, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-33.1 - Power of chairman to administer oaths.

§ 163-33.1. Power of chairman to administer oaths.
The chairman of the county board of elections is authorized to administer to election officials specified in Articles 4, 5, and 20 of this Chapter the required oath, and may also administer the required oath to witnesses appearing before the county board at a duly called public hearing. (1981, c. 154; 2007-391, s. 5; 2008-187, s. 33(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-33.2 - Chairman and county board to examine voting machines.

§ 163-33.2. Chairman and county board to examine voting machines.
Prior to each primary and general election the chairman and members of the county board of elections, in counties where voting machines are used, shall test vote, in a reasonable number of combinations, no less than ten percent (10%) of all voting machines programmed for each primary or election, such machines to be selected at random by the board after programming has been completed, and further, the board shall record the serial numbers of the machines test voted in the official minutes of the board. In the alternative, the board may cause the test voting required herein to be performed by persons qualified to program and test voting equipment. (1981, c. 303; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-33.3 - County board of elections littering notification.

§ 163-33.3. County board of elections littering notification.
At the time an individual files with a county board of elections a notice of candidacy pursuant to G.S. 163-106, 163-112, 163-291, or 163-294.2, is certified to a county board of elections by a political party executive committee to fill a nomination vacancy pursuant to G.S. 163-114, qualifies with a county board of elections as an unaffiliated or write-in candidate pursuant to Article 11 of this Chapter, or formally initiates with a county board of elections a candidacy pursuant to any statute or local act, the county board of elections shall notify the candidate of the provisions concerning campaign signs in G.S. 136-32 and G.S. 14-156 and the rules adopted by the Department of Transportation pursuant to G.S. 136-18. (2001-512, s. 8; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-34 - Power of county board of elections to maintain order.

§ 163-34. Power of county board of elections to maintain order.
Each county board of elections shall possess full power to maintain order, and to enforce obedience to its lawful commands during its sessions, and shall be constituted an inferior court for that purpose. If any person shall refuse to obey the lawful commands of any county board of elections, or by disorderly conduct in its hearing or presence shall interrupt or disturb its proceedings, it may, by an order in writing, signed by its chairman, and attested by its secretary, commit the person so offending to the common jail of the county for a period not exceeding 30 days. Such order shall be executed by any sheriff to whom the same shall be delivered, or if a sheriff shall not be present, or shall refuse to act, by any other person who shall be deputed by the county board of elections in writing, and the keeper of the jail shall receive the person so committed and safely keep him for such time as shall be mentioned in the commitment: Provided, that any person committed under the provisions of this section shall have the right to post a two hundred dollar ($200.00) bond with the clerk of the superior court and appeal to the superior court for a trial on the merits of his commitment. (1901, c. 89, s. 72; Rev., s. 4376; C.S., s. 5977; 1955, c. 871, s. 4; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 2004-203, s. 57; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-36 - Modified full-time offices.

§ 163-36. Modified full-time offices.
The State Board of Elections shall promulgate rules permitting counties that have fewer than 6,501 registered voters to operate a modified full-time elections office to the extent that the operation of a full-time office is not necessary. Nothing in this section shall preclude any county from keeping an elections office open at hours consistent with the hours observed by other county offices. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 6; 1999-426, s. 8(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-37 - Duty of county board of commissioners.

§ 163-37. Duty of county board of commissioners.
The respective boards of county commissioners shall appropriate reasonable and adequate funds necessary for the legal functions of the county board of elections, including reasonable and just compensation of the director of elections. (1999-424, s. 3(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4 - County Boards of Elections. › § 163-37.1 - Criminal history record checks of current and prospective employees of county boards of elections.

§ 163-37.1. Criminal history record checks of current and prospective employees of county boards of elections.
(a) As used in this section, the term "current or prospective employee" means a current or prospective permanent or temporary employee of a county board of elections who has or will have access to the statewide computerized voter registration system maintained under G.S. 163-82.11 or has a position or function designated by the State Board as provided in G.S. 163-27.2.
(b) The county board of elections shall require a criminal history record check of all current or prospective employees, which shall be conducted by the Department of Public Safety as provided in G.S. 143B-969. The criminal history report shall be provided to the county board of elections. A county board of elections shall provide the criminal history record of all current or prospective employees required by G.S. 163-27.2 to the Executive Director and the State Board. The criminal history report shall be kept confidential as provided in G.S. 143B-969(d) and is not a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.
(c) If the current or prospective employee's verified criminal history record check reveals one or more convictions, the conviction shall constitute just cause for not selecting the person for employment, or for dismissing the person from current employment. The conviction shall not automatically prohibit employment.
(d) The county board of elections may deny employment to or dismiss from employment a current or prospective employee who refuses to consent to a criminal history record check or to submit fingerprints or to provide other identifying information required by the State or National Repositories of Criminal Histories. Any such refusal shall constitute just cause for the employment denial or the dismissal from employment.
(e) The county board of elections may extend a conditional offer of employment or appointment pending the results of a criminal history record check authorized by this section.
(f) Neither appointment as a precinct official or assistant under of Article 5 of this Chapter nor employment at a one-stop early voting location shall require a criminal history record check unless the official, assistant, or employee performs a function designated by the State Board pursuant to G.S. 163-27.2. (2018-13, s. 1(d); 2018-146, s. 3.1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4A - Political Activities by State Board and County Board of Elections Members and Employees. › § 163-38 - Applicability of Article.

§ 163-38. Applicability of Article.
This Article applies to members and employees of the State Board of Elections and of each county board of elections. With regard to prohibitions in this Article concerning candidates, referenda, and committees, the prohibitions do not apply if the candidate or referendum will not be on the ballot in an area within the jurisdiction of the board, or if the political committee or referendum committee is not involved with an election or referendum that will be on the ballot in an area within the jurisdiction of the board. (2000-114, s. 1; 2007-391, s. 14(a); 2011-31, s. 17; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4A - Political Activities by State Board and County Board of Elections Members and Employees. › § 163-39 - Limitation on political activities.

§ 163-39. Limitation on political activities.
No individual subject to this Article shall:
(1) Make written or oral statements intended for general distribution or dissemination to the public at large supporting or opposing the nomination or election of one or more clearly identified candidates for public office.
(2) Make written or oral statements intended for general distribution or dissemination to the public at large supporting or opposing the passage of one or more clearly identified referendum proposals.
(3) Solicit contributions for a candidate, political committee, or referendum committee.
Individual expressions of opinion, support, or opposition not intended for general public distribution shall not be deemed a violation of this Article. Nothing in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit participation in a political party convention as a delegate. Nothing in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit a board member or board employee from making a contribution to a candidate, political committee, or referendum committee. Nothing in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit a board member or board employee from advising other government entities as to technical matters related to election administration or revision of electoral district boundaries. (2000-114, s. 1; 2007-391, s. 14(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4A - Political Activities by State Board and County Board of Elections Members and Employees. › § 163-40 - Violation may be ground for removal.

§ 163-40. Violation may be ground for removal.
A violation of this Article may be a ground to remove a State Board of Elections member under G.S. 143B-16 or a county board of elections member under G.S. 163-22(c). A violation of this Article may be a ground for dismissal of an employee of the State Board of Elections or of a county board of elections. No criminal penalty shall be imposed for a violation of this Article. (2000-114, s. 1; 2007-391, s. 14(a); 2011-31, s. 18; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 4A - Political Activities by State Board and County Board of Elections Members and Employees. › § 163-40.1 - Definitions.

§ 163-40.1. Definitions.
The provisions of Article 22A of this Chapter apply to the definition and proof of terms used in this Article. (2000-114, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-41.1 - Certain relatives prohibited from serving together.

§ 163-41.1. Certain relatives prohibited from serving together.
(a) The following categories of relatives are prohibited from serving as precinct officials of the same precinct: spouse, child, spouse of a child, sister or brother.
(b) No precinct official who is the wife, husband, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister of any candidate for nomination or election may serve as precinct official during any primary or election in which such candidate participates. The county board of elections shall temporarily disqualify any such official for the specific primary or election involved and shall have authority to appoint a substitute official, from the same political party, to serve only during the primary or election at which such conflict exists. (1975, c. 745; 1979, c. 411, s. 2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-41.2 - Discharge of precinct official unlawful.

§ 163-41.2. Discharge of precinct official unlawful.
(a) No employer may discharge or demote any employee because the employee has been appointed as a precinct official and is serving as a precinct official on election day or canvass day.
(b) An employee discharged or demoted in violation of this section shall be entitled to be reinstated to that employee's former position. The burden of proof shall be upon the employee.
(c) The statute of limitations for actions under this section shall be one year pursuant to G.S. 1-54.
(d) This section does not apply unless the employee provides the employer with not less than 30 days written notice, before the date the leave is to begin, of the employee's intention to take leave to serve as a precinct official.
(e) As used in this section, "precinct official" has the same meaning as in G.S. 163-41(a). (2001-169, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-42.1 - Student election assistants.

§ 163-42.1. Student election assistants.
A student of at least 17 years of age at the time of any election or primary in which the student works shall be eligible to be appointed as a student election assistant. To be eligible a student must have all the following qualifications:
(1) Be a United States citizen.
(2) Be a resident of the county in which the student is appointed.
(3) Be enrolled in a secondary educational institution, including a home school as defined in G.S. 115C-563(a), with an exemplary academic record as determined by that institution.
(4) Be recommended by the principal or director of the secondary educational institution in which the student is enrolled.
(5) Have the consent of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian.
The county board of elections may appoint student election assistants, following guidelines which shall be issued by the State Board of Elections. No more than two student election assistants shall be assigned to any voting place. Every student election assistant shall work under the direct supervision of the election judges. The student election assistants shall attend the same training as a precinct assistant, shall be sworn in the same manner as a precinct assistant, and shall be compensated in the same manner as precinct assistants. The county board of elections shall prescribe the duties of a student election assistant, following guidelines which shall be issued by the State Board of Elections. Under no circumstances may students ineligible to register to vote be appointed and act as precinct judges or observers in any election. The date of birth of a student election assistant shall be kept confidential. (2003-278, s. 1; 2004-127, s. 17(e); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a) (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-43 - Ballot counters; appointment; qualifications; oath of office.

§ 163-43. Ballot counters; appointment; qualifications; oath of office.
The county board of elections of any county may authorize the use of precinct ballot counters to aid the chief judges and judges of election in the counting of ballots in any precinct or precincts within the county. The county board of elections shall appoint the ballot counters it authorizes for each precinct or, in its discretion, the board may delegate authority to make such appointments to the precinct chief judge, specifying the number of ballot counters to be appointed for each precinct. A ballot counter must be a resident of the county in which the precinct is located.
No person shall be eligible to serve as a ballot counter, who holds any elective office under the government of the United States, or of the State of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof.
No person shall be eligible to serve as a ballot counter, who serves as chairman of a state, congressional district, county, or precinct political party or political organization.
No person who is the wife, husband, mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister of any candidate for nomination or election may serve as ballot counter during any primary or election in which such candidate qualifies.
No person shall be eligible to serve as a ballot counter who is a candidate for nomination or election.
Upon acceptance of appointment, each ballot counter shall appear before the precinct chief judge at the voting place immediately at the close of the polls on the day of the primary or election and take the following oath to be administered by the chief judge:
"I, ____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof; that I will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said State not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States; that I will honestly discharge the duties of ballot counter in ____ precinct, ____ County for primary (or election) held this day, and that I will fairly and honestly tabulate the votes cast in said primary (or election); so help me, God."
The names and addresses of all ballot counters serving in any precinct, whether appointed by the county board of elections or by the chief judge, shall be reported by the chief judge to the county board of elections at the county canvass following the primary or election. (1953, c. 843; 1955, c. 800; 1963, c. 303, s. 1; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1981, c. 954, s. 5; 1985, c. 563, s. 10.1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 18; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 734, s. 3; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-47 - Powers and duties of chief judges and judges of election.

§ 163-47. Powers and duties of chief judges and judges of election.
(a) The chief judges and judges of election shall conduct the primaries and elections within their respective precincts fairly and impartially, and they shall enforce peace and good order in and about the place of registration and voting. On the day of each primary and general and special election, the precinct chief judge and judges shall remain at the voting place from the time fixed by law for the commencement of their duties there until they have completed all those duties, and they shall not separate nor shall any one of them leave the voting place except for unavoidable necessity.
(b) On the day of an election or primary, the chief judge shall have charge of the registration list for the purpose of passing on the registration of persons who present themselves at the polls to vote.
(c) The chief judge and judges shall hear challenges of the right of registered voters to vote as provided by law.
(d) The chief judge and judges shall count the votes cast in their precincts and make such returns of the same as is provided by law.
(e) The chief judge and judges shall make such an accounting to the chairman of the county board of elections for ballots and for election supplies as is required by law.
(f) The chief judge and judges of election shall act by a majority vote on all matters not assigned specifically by law to the chief judge or to a judge. (1901, c. 89, s. 41; Rev., s. 4312; C.S., s. 5933; 1933, c. 165, s. 3; 1939, c. 263, s. 31/2; 1947, c. 505, s. 3; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 17; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 4; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 5 - Precinct Election Officials. › § 163-48 - Maintenance of order at place of registration and voting.

§ 163-48. Maintenance of order at place of registration and voting.
The chief judge and judges of election shall enforce peace and good order in and about the place of registration and voting. They shall especially keep open and unobstructed the place at which voters or persons seeking to register or vote have access to the place of registration and voting. They shall prevent and stop improper practices and attempts to obstruct, intimidate, or interfere with any person in registering or voting. They shall protect challenger and witnesses against molestation and violence in the performance of their duties, and they may eject from the place of registration or voting any challenger or witness for violation of any provisions of the election laws. They shall prevent riots, violence, tumult, or disorder.
In the discharge of the duties prescribed in the preceding paragraph of this section, the chief judge and judges may call upon the sheriff, the police, or other peace officers to aid them in enforcing the law. They may order the arrest of any person violating any provision of the election laws, but such arrest shall not prevent the person arrested from registering or voting if he is entitled to do so. The sheriff, police officers, and other officers of the peace shall immediately obey and aid in the enforcement of any lawful order made by the precinct election officials in the enforcement of the election laws. The chief judge and judges of election of any precinct, or any two of such election officials, shall have the authority to deputize any person or persons as police officers to aid in maintaining order at the place of registration or voting. (1901, c. 89, s. 72; Rev., s. 4376; C.S., s. 5977; 1955, c. 871, s. 4; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 21; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 6 - Qualifications of Voters. › § 163-54 - Registration a prerequisite to voting.

§ 163-54. Registration a prerequisite to voting.
Only such persons as are legally registered shall be entitled to vote in any primary or election held under this Chapter. (1901, c. 89, s. 12; Rev., s. 4317; C.S., s. 5938; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 6 - Qualifications of Voters. › § 163-55 - Qualifications to vote; exclusion from electoral franchise.

§ 163-55. Qualifications to vote; exclusion from electoral franchise.
(a) Residence Period for State Elections. – Every person born in the United States, and every person who has been naturalized, and who shall have resided in the State of North Carolina and in the precinct in which the person offers to vote for 30 days next preceding an election, shall, if otherwise qualified as prescribed in this Chapter, be qualified to vote in the precinct in which the person resides. Removal from one precinct to another in this State shall not operate to deprive any person of the right to vote in the precinct from which the person has removed until 30 days after the person's removal.
Except as provided in this Chapter, the following classes of persons shall not be allowed to vote in this State:
(1) Persons under 18 years of age.
(2) Any person adjudged guilty of a felony against this State or the United States, or adjudged guilty of a felony in another state that also would be a felony if it had been committed in this State, unless that person shall be first restored to the rights of citizenship in the manner prescribed by law.
(b) Precincts. – For purposes of qualification to vote in an election, a person's residence in a precinct shall be determined in accordance with G.S. 163-57. Qualification to vote in referenda shall be treated the same as qualification for elections to fill offices.
(c) Elections. – For purposes of the 30-day residence requirement to vote in an election in subsection (a) of this section, the term "election" means the day of the primary, second primary, general election, special election, or referendum. (19th amendt. U.S. Const.; amendt. State Const., 1920; 1901, c. 89, ss. 14, 15; Rev., ss. 4315, 4316; C.S., ss. 5936, 5937; Ex. Sess. 1920, c. 18, s. 1; 1933, c. 165, s. 4; 1945, c. 758, s. 7; 1955, c. 871, s. 2; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1971, c. 1231, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 18; 2005-2, s. 2; 2008-150, s. 5(a); 2009-541, s. 5; 2013-381, s. 49.1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 6 - Qualifications of Voters. › § 163-59 - Right to participate or vote in party primary.

§ 163-59. Right to participate or vote in party primary.
No person shall be entitled to vote or otherwise participate in the primary election of any political party unless that person complies with all of the following:
(1) Is a registered voter.
(2) Has declared and has had recorded on the registration book or record the fact that the voter affiliates with the political party in whose primary the voter proposes to vote or participate.
(3) Is in good faith a member of that party.
Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, any unaffiliated voter who is authorized under G.S. 163-119 may also vote in the primary if the voter is otherwise eligible to vote in that primary except for subdivisions (2) and (3) of the previous paragraph.
Any person who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, shall be entitled to register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered. Such person may register not earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register under G.S. 163-82.6(d) prior to the primary. In addition, persons who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, who do not register during the special period may register to vote after such period as if they were qualified on the basis of age, but until they are qualified by age to vote, they may vote only in primary elections. (1915, c. 101, s. 5; 1917, c. 218; C.S., s. 6027; 1959, c. 1203, s. 6; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1971, c. 1166, s. 4; 1973, c. 793, s. 20; 1981, c. 33, s. 1; 1983, c. 324, s. 3; 1987, c. 408, s. 4; c. 457, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1032, s. 5; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 23; 2007-391, s. 28; 2008-187, s. 33(a); 2009-541, s. 6; 2013-381, s. 16.2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 7A - Registration of Voters. › § 163-82.1 - General principles of voter registration.

§ 163-82.1. General principles of voter registration.
(a) Prerequisite to Voting. – No person shall be permitted to vote who has not been registered under the provisions of this Article or registered as previously provided by law.
(b) County Board's Duty to Register. – A county board of elections shall register, in accordance with this Article, every person qualified to vote in that county who makes an application in accordance with this Article.
(c) Permanent Registration. – Every person registered to vote by a county board of elections in accordance with this Article shall remain registered until:
(1) The registrant requests in writing to the county board of elections to be removed from the list of registered voters; or
(2) The registrant becomes disqualified through death, conviction of a felony, or removal out of the county; or
(3) The county board of elections determines, through the procedure outlined in G.S. 163-82.14, that it can no longer confirm where the voter resides. (1953, c. 843; 1955, c. 800; 1963, c. 303, s. 1; 1965, c. 1116, s. 1; 1967, c. 775, s. 1; 1973, c. 793, s. 25; 1975, c. 395; 1981, c. 39, s. 1; c. 87, s. 1; c. 308, s. 1; 1985, c. 211, ss. 1, 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 2; 2009-541, s. 7(a); 2013-381, s. 12.1(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 7A - Registration of Voters. › § 163-82.2 - Chief State Election Official.

§ 163-82.2. Chief State Election Official.
The Executive Director of the State Board of Elections is the "Chief State Election Official" of North Carolina for purposes of P.L. 103-31, The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, subsequently referred to in this Article as the "National Voter Registration Act". As such the Executive Director is responsible for coordination of State responsibilities under the National Voter Registration Act. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 2; 2001-319, s. 11; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 7A - Registration of Voters. › § 163-82.3 - Voter registration application forms.

§ 163-82.3. Voter registration application forms.
(a) Form Developed by State Board of Elections. – The State Board of Elections shall develop an application form for voter registration. Any person may use the form to apply to do any of the following:
(1) Register to vote.
(2) Change party affiliation or unaffiliated status.
(3) Report a change of address within a county.
(4) Report a change of name.
The county board of elections for the county where the applicant resides shall accept the form as application for any of those purposes if the form is submitted as set out in G.S. 163-82.3.
(b) Interstate Form. – The county board of elections where an applicant resides shall accept as application for any of the purposes set out in subsection (a) of this section the interstate registration form designed by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act, if the interstate form is submitted in accordance with G.S. 163-82.6.
(c) Agency Application Form. – The county board of elections where an applicant resides shall accept as application for any of the purposes set out in subsection (a) of this section a form developed pursuant to G.S. 163-82.19 or G.S. 163-82.20. (1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1044, s. 18(a); 1993, c. 74, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 2; 2009-541, s. 8(a); 2013-381, s. 12.1(b); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 7A - Registration of Voters. › § 163-82.5 - Distribution of application forms.

§ 163-82.5. Distribution of application forms.
The State Board of Elections shall make the forms described in G.S. 163-82.3 available for distribution through governmental and private entities, with particular emphasis on making them available for organized voter registration drives. (1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1044, s. 18(a); 1993, c. 74, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 762, s. 2; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 163 - Elections and Election Laws › Article 7A - Registration of Voters. › § 163-82.6A - Address and name changes at one-stop sites.

§ 163-82.6A. Address and name changes at one-stop sites.
Change of Registration at One-Stop Voting Site. – A person who is already registered to vote in the county may update the information in the registration record in accordance with procedures prescribed by the State Board of Elections, but an individual's party affiliation may not be changed during the one-stop voting period before any first or second partisan primary in which the individual is eligible to vote. (2007-253, s. 1; 2009-541, s. 11; 2013-381, ss. 16.1, 16.1A; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)