163-165. Definitions. In addition to the definitions stated below, the definitions set forth in Article 15A of this Chapter also apply to this Part. As used in this Part: (1) "Ballot" means an instrument on which a voter indicates that voter’s choice for a ballot item so that it may be recorded as a vote […]
163-165.1. Scope and general rules. (a) Scope. – This Article shall apply to all elections in this State. (b) Requirements of Official Ballots in Voting. – In any election conducted under this Article: (1) All voting shall be by official ballot. (2) Only votes cast on an official ballot shall be counted. (c) Compliance With […]
163-165.10. Adequacy of voting system for each precinct. The county board of elections shall make available for each precinct voting place an adequate quantity of official ballots or equipment. When the board of county commissioners has decided to adopt and purchase or lease a voting system for voting places under the provisions of G.S. 165-165.8 […]
163-165.2. Sample ballots. (a) County Board to Produce and Distribute Sample Ballots. – The county board of elections shall produce sample ballots, in all the necessary ballot styles of the official ballot, for every election to be held in the county. The sample ballots shall be given an appearance that clearly distinguishes them from official […]
163-165.3. Responsibilities for preparing official ballots. (a) State Board Responsibilities. – The State Board of Elections shall certify the official ballots and voter instructions to be used in every election that is subject to this Article. In conducting its certification, the State Board shall adhere to the following: (1) No later than January 31 of […]
163-165.4. Standards for official ballots. The State Board of Elections shall ensure that official ballots throughout the State have all the following characteristics: (1) Are readily understandable by voters. (2) Present all candidates and questions in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. (3) Allow every voter to cast a vote in every ballot item without difficulty. […]
163-165.4A. Punch-card ballots and lever machines. (a) No ballot may be used in any referendum, primary, or other election as an official ballot if it requires the voter to punch out a hole with a stylus or other tool. (b) No lever machine voting system may be used in any referendum, primary, or other election […]
163-165.4B. Butterfly ballots. No butterfly ballot may be used as an official ballot in any referendum, primary, or other election. The term "butterfly ballot" means a ballot having more than one column listing ballot choices that share a common column for designating those choices. (2001-310, ss. 2, 3; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
163-165.4C. Prohibited voting systems. A voting system that does not use or produce a ballot shall not be used in any referendum, primary, or other election as a means of voting or counting an official ballot. (2015-103, s. 5(b); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b)3.)
163-165.5. Contents of official ballots. (a) Except as provided in this section, each official ballot shall contain all the following elements: (1) The heading prescribed by the State Board. The heading shall include the term "Official Ballot". (2) The title of each office to be voted on and the number of votes allowed in each […]
163-165.5A. Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2001-288, s. 3, effective January 1, 2012.
163-165.5B. Ballots may be combined. Notwithstanding any other statute or local act, a county board of elections, with the approval of the State Board of Elections, may combine ballot items on the same official ballot. (2007-391, s. 7; 2008-187, s. 33(a); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
163-165.6. Arrangement of official ballots. (a) Order of Precedence Generally. – Candidate ballot items shall be arranged on the official ballot before referenda. (b) Order of Precedence for Candidate Ballot Items. – The State Board of Elections shall promulgate rules prescribing the order of offices to be voted on the official ballot. Those rules shall […]
163-165.7. Voting systems: powers and duties of State Board. (a) (Effective until December 1, 2019, for certain counties – see note) Only voting systems that have been certified by the State Board of Elections in accordance with the procedures set forth by the State Board of Elections and subject to the standards set forth in […]
163-165.8. Voting systems: powers and duties of board of county commissioners. The board of county commissioners, with the approval of the county board of elections, may adopt and acquire only a voting system of a type, make, and model certified by the State Board of Elections for use in some or all voting places in […]
163-165.9. Voting systems: powers and duties of county board of elections. (a) Before approving the adoption and acquisition of any voting system by the board of county commissioners, the county board of elections shall do all of the following: (1) Recommend to the board of county commissioners which type of voting system should be acquired […]
163-165.9A. Voting systems: requirements for voting systems vendors; penalties. (a) Duties of Vendor. – Every vendor that has a contract to provide a voting system in North Carolina shall do all of the following: (1) The vendor shall place in escrow with an independent escrow agent approved by the State Board of Elections all software […]
163-166.01. Hours for voting. In every election, the voting place shall be open at 6:30 A.M. and shall be closed at 7:30 P.M. If the polls are delayed in opening for more than 15 minutes, or are interrupted for more than 15 minutes after opening, the State Board of Elections may extend the closing time […]
163-166.1. Duties of county board of elections. The county board of elections shall: (1) Provide for the timely delivery to each voting place of the supplies, records, and equipment necessary for the conduct of the election. (2) Ensure that adequate procedures are in place at each voting place for a safe, secure, fair, and honest […]
163-166.10. Procedures after the close of voting. The State Board of Elections shall promulgate rules for closing the voting place and delivering voting information to the county board of elections for counting, canvassing, and record maintenance. Those rules shall emphasize the need for the appearance as well as the reality of security, accuracy, participation by […]
