Orange County NC Website
county for that election. Prior to this bill, early voting began on the third Thursday before an <br /> election and had the option to extend hours the last Saturday until 5:00 p.m. <br /> The local Board had the option of setting different days and hours for the approved sites. <br /> • G.S. 163-227.2 is amended by adding a new subsection. Hours for early voting: For any <br /> county who provided for one or more sites during 2010 or 2012 elections, they shall calculate <br /> the cumulative total number of scheduled voting hours at all sites and ensure that at least the <br /> same number of hours offered in 2010 Primary and General is offered for the 2014 Primary <br /> and General and the same number of hours offered in 2012 Primary and General is offered for <br /> the 2016 Primary and General Elections respectively. There is also an added amendment <br /> whereas a county board by unanimous vote of the board may submit a request to the SBOE to <br /> reduce the number of hours. The reduction shall take effect only if approved by unanimous <br /> vote of the SBOE with all members present and voting. <br /> • G.S. 163-229(b) was rewritten. Absentee voting: Requires two persons to witness the <br /> casting of the absentee ballot, those person's names, addresses and signature and also <br /> added space for the name and address of any person who assisted the voter. The requirement <br /> for two witnesses shall be satisfied if witnessed by one notary public with a valid seal and <br /> signature. The law states that a notary may not charge any fee. Prior to this bill, only one <br /> witness was required. This law does not apply to military or overseas voters whose <br /> requirements are one witness. <br /> • G.S. 163-230.1 was rewritten. Method of requesting ballots. An absentee ballot request is <br /> valid only if it is on a form created by the State Board of Elections. The voter or near relative <br /> must provide either a driver's license/special identification number or the last four digits of the <br /> social security number. The form will be available on the SBOE website, Orange County Board <br /> of Elections (BOE) website, in the BOE office and will be mailed to voter upon request. Prior to <br /> this bill, the request had to be written entirely by the requester personally or on a form <br /> generated by the county board of elections that could not be reproduced. <br /> • G.S. 163-278.13 was rewritten. Limitation on contributions: No candidate or political <br /> committee can accept and/or contribute in excess of$5,000 for an election except for a <br /> candidate or a candidate's spouse who can give unlimited amounts. Prior to this bill, the limit <br /> was $4,000 and the persons who could give unlimited amounts included the candidate's <br /> parents, brothers and sisters. It also provides a means to increase the limitations effective <br /> every odd-numbered year by a formula set out in the amendment <br /> • G.S. 163-287 was rewritten. Special Election Dates: Special elections may be held only at <br /> the time as any other State, county or municipal election. Exceptions are any special election <br /> related to public health or safety, including a vacancy in the office of sheriff or a bond <br /> referendum for financing of health and sanitation systems. This also does not apply to local <br /> acts. <br /> • Part 28 — Section 28.1 — Reduce need for second primary: The Joint Legislative <br /> Elections Oversight Committee shall study the second primary and recommend to the <br /> General Assembly any legislation it deems advisable. Final report shall be made before the <br /> convening of the 2015 regular session of the General Assembly. <br /> Effective January 1, 2016 — <br /> - G.S. 163-166.13 amended by adding new section. Photo identification requirement for <br /> voting in person: Every qualified voter shall present photo identification bearing any <br /> reasonable resemblance except curbside voters, voters who have religious objection to being <br /> photographed and victims of natural disaster occurring within 60 days of the election. Instead <br /> of photo identification, curbside voters may present a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or <br /> other government documents that shows the name and address. <br />