Senate committee hears bill saying state election law supersedes home-rule election ordinances

The Senate State and Local Government Committee opened and heard testimony on House Bill 1307, which would state that county and city home-rule charter provisions pertaining to elections are void if they conflict with state election statutes.

Representative Jim Casper, the bill sponsor, said the measure is driven by a recent Supreme Court ruling and aims to ensure consistent election rules across the state. "Home rule charter... will abide by state law," Casper said, summarizing the bill's effect and noting sections that apply to county and city charters.

The bill’s supporters framed it as a uniformity measure. Michael Howe, North Dakota secretary of state, testified in favor: "This bill provides for uniform election administration across the…