N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-14-09
The application provided for in section 16.1-14-08 must be made by petition in writing and filed in the office of the secretary of state within ten days from the date of the proclamation provided for in section 16.1-14-03. The petition, regardless of its mode of delivery, must be in the possession of the secretary of state before four p.m. on the tenth day as provided in this section, and the secretary of state shall convene the board for the trial of contests of elections for presidential elections. The petition must set forth the names of the individuals whose election is contested and the ground for such contest. The petitioner, before any proceedings are had upon the petition, except the convening of the board, shall file a bond to this state in a sum and with surety as the board shall order, conditioned for the payment of all costs incurred in the prosecution of the contest in case the contestants do not prevail.
N.D.C.C. § 16.1-14-09