RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — The North Carolina House gave final approval Tuesday to two election reform bills that supporters say will strengthen election security, streamline election administration and make changes to voter registration and election oversight.

House Bill 958 includes a series of changes to the state’s election laws, including new voter verification requirements, expanded voter roll maintenance and additional oversight of election systems.

Among its provisions, the bill requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, expands interstate data-sharing to identify duplicate voter registrations, and requires the removal of deceased and other ineligible voters from voter rolls. It also directs the State Auditor to conduct audits of election systems following each general election.

The legislation would require candidates seeking a political party’s nomination to have been affiliated with that party for at least 365 days before filing for office, unless the party grants a waiver.

The bill also shortens the early voting period for primary and runoff elections from 17 days to 10 days, increases campaign finance reporting thresholds, and allows county boards of elections to more quickly address concerns involving precinct officials. In addition, it permits nonpartisan candidates to appoint election observers.

Other provisions require the use of the most recent federal census data for redistricting and revise procedures for processing voter registration applications.

House Bill 834 makes two changes to election procedures. It extends the deadline for voters to resolve registration issues after an election from three days to five days. The measure also allows legal challenges to State Board of Elections decisions to be heard either in Wake County or in the county where the plaintiff resides.

Both bills now head to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration.

House Election Law Committee Chairman Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-Burke, said “North Carolinians want elections they can trust, and House Republicans have consistently advanced practical reforms to improve election integrity. These bills build on that work by making our elections even more secure and giving voters even more confidence when they head to the polls.”