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NORTH DAKOTA MONITOR: Critics say that the North Dakota legislature is trying to prevent the public from being involved in its decision-making process, according to Michael Achterling the North Dakota Monitor.
A discussion on three upcoming ballot measures took place at the Kennedy Center Monday night. Voters expressed growing frustration over what one described as a legislative “power grab” aimed at North Dakota’s century-old initiated measure process.
The event, which drew about 50 attendees, is part of a statewide educational tour put on by the North Dakota Watchdog Network and other local organizations focusing on three constitutional measures referred to the 2026 ballot by the Legislature.
Measure 1 will be on the June 9th primary ballot; if passed, it would require future constitutional initiatives to be a single subject. This leaves deciding what designates a single subject to be interpreted by the secretary of state. North Dakota voters rejected a single subject requirement measure just two years ago, per the ND Monitor.
Measure 2 will be decided on during the November 3rd general election. This would require future constitutional measures to gain support from 60% of voters rather than a simple majority. Dustin Garylow of the Watchdog Network said this would empower the minority to veto the will of the majority.
November’s Measure 1 would allow lawmakers to double their term limits to 16 years, despite voters constitutionally cementing terms to 8 years and barring lawmakers from making changes. A lawsuit will be taken up by the ND Supreme Court regarding this.
Critics at the meeting argued that these measures are a direct attempt to sideline the public from decision-making.
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