S749 - No Partisan Advantage in Elections. (SL 2023-139)

Overview: S.L. 2023-139 does all of the following:

• Effective Janaury 1, 2024:
  • Increases the number of members of the State Board of Elections (State Board) from five to eight, with all eight members being appointed by the General Assembly.
  • Decreases the number of members of each of the 100 county boards of elections from five to four, with all four members being appointed by the General Assembly.
  • Administratively transfers the State Board to the Secretary of State's Office; however, the Secretary of State will not direct or supervise management functions of the State Board.
• Effective October 10, 2023:
  • Requires that, with respect to the conduct of elections, the emergency powers be exercised by the State Board rather than the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections (Executive Director).
  • Clarifies that the Executive Director can designate an acting county director of elections if the county board of elections does not nominate an individual to serve as county director of elections.
  • Makes technical and clarifying changes to photo ID for voting,.
  • Changes the filing date for filings of the statement of economic interest associated with a notice of candidacy.
• Clarifies the 2024 appointments to certain boards and commissions modified by S.L. 2023-136 of the 2023 Regular Session.

This bill was vetoed by the Governor on September 28, 2023, and that veto was overridden by the General Assembly on October 10, 2023. Except as otherwise provided, this act became effective October 10, 2023.