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Election day is in full swing, with 195,000 ballots cast as of 4:00 p.m. central time, according to the Secretary of State’s Office and KFYR. Polls are open until 7:00 p.m., and results will not be available until 8:00 p.m., as to account for individuals still in line past the 7:00 p.m. cutoff.
Our state’s single Representative for U.S. House will be decided; the race is between incumbent Julie Fedorchak, a Republican, and Trygve Hammer, a Democrat. Attorney General will be decided between incumbent Drew Wrigley and Tim Lamb. As for Agriculture Commissioner, Republican Doug Goehring and Democrat Vern Thompson are on the ballot. The race for Secretary of State is between Democrat Ryan Braunberger, and Republican Michael Howe. The 2-year term on the Public Service Commission is between Democrat Scot Kelsh, and Republican Jill Kringstad. The 6-year term on the Commission is between Republican Sheri Haugen-Hoffart and Democrat John Pederson. Republican Brian Kroshus and Democrat Mark Nelson are on the ballot for Tax Commissioner. For the non-partisan offices, Levi Bachmeier and Tracy Foss are on the ballot for Superintendent of Public Instruction; Ariston Johnson and Jerod Tufte are on the ballot for a 10-year term on the North Dakota Supreme Court.
Residents residing in odd-numbered districts will elect new members of the state Legislature, and some even-numbered districts will see names on the ballot to fill vacancies.
Two ballot measures will be decided on, including Constitutional Amendment 1. If approved, a 60% supermajority would be required to pass future constitutional ballot measures. Proponents say that having a higher voting threshold would protect the state’s founding document, and opponents say that this higher threshold gives more power to a minority of voters.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would require public schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The funds for this would come from Legacy Fund earnings, unless otherwise decided by lawmakers. Private and tribal schools may opt-in to the program.Proponents say that this lessens the burden of cost on parents, while improving health, which supporters say would improve academic outcomes. Opponents say that this should not be a constitutional amendment that forces legislative spending. The National School Lunch Program also provides some school meal funding that may be cut, increasing the state’s financial responsibility.
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