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Panel approves changing statute so presidential candidates’ full names appear on ballots
Summary
The committee voted to recommend a due pass for House Bill 10-99, which would change statutory wording so a presidential candidate’s full name (first and last) appears on the general election ballot; the change was supported by election judges and the secretary of state.
The committee considered House Bill 10-99, a narrowly focused bill to require the full name of presidential candidates (rather than only surnames) on general election ballots.
Representative Liz Conmey, the sponsor, said that in the last general election only presidential surnames appeared on the ballot under existing statutory language: "the surname of the presidential candidate must be placed in line with an oval on the ballot," she said, noting some voters expected first names and were briefly confused. Conmey said replacing the term "surname" with "name" in the statute would allow full names to be printed on both the paper ballot and the voter-facing printed record from ballot-marking devices.
Secretary of State Michael Howe testified neutrally to clarify statutory definitions: "name is defined in Century Code is first and last name," he said, and added that North Dakota uses paper ballots as the source of record for elections.
Senator Wallin moved a due-pass recommendation and Senator Lee seconded. The committee approved the motion by roll call and recorded a committee recommendation of due pass (roll call recorded in committee minutes).
Why it matters: The amendment is a small statutory clarification intended to reduce voter confusion and standardize the way presidential candidates are listed on ballots and ballot-marking devices.
Committee action: The committee voted to recommend the bill be given a due pass; the motion was carried on a recorded roll call.
