A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 16.1-02-12, 16.1-02-15, 16.1-03-21, and 16.1-07-05, subsection 1 of section 16.1-07-06, sections 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-21, 16.1-11-22, 16.1-11-24, 16.1-11-26, 16.1-11-29, and 16.1-11-30, subsection 2 of section 16.1-11-39, and sections 16.1-11-40, 16.1-11.1-02, and 16.1-12-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to data stored in the central voter file and primary election ballots.

SB 2178 amends North Dakota's election laws to update how voter data is stored and accessed. It specifies that the central voter file must include personal details like name, address, voting history, and driver's license numbers, while restricting access to certain data fields for political candidates and parties. The bill clarifies that only designated voter information (such as address and election preferences) can be used for election-related purposes, and "secured active" voter records remain private. It also standardizes absentee ballot application requirements for primary elections. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for voter file management.