When North Dakotans vote in the Nov. 3 general election, they’ll decide more than who will represent them in office. They'll also vote on two proposed amendments to the North Dakota Constitution.
A constitutional measure proposes a change to the North Dakota Constitution. If approved by voters, the amendment becomes part of the state's governing document.
How ballot measures work
Ballot measures give North Dakotans a direct voice in state government. Some are brought to voters by the Legislature, while others reach the ballot when citizens gather the required number of valid petition signatures.
Constitutional measures propose changes to the North Dakota Constitution. Because the Constitution is the state's governing document, any proposed amendment must be approved by voters before it can take effect.
This year, voters will consider two constitutional measures.
Here's a look at each measure and what a yes or no vote means.
Constitutional Measure No. 1
Approval threshold for constitutional amendments
This measure would change the number of votes needed to approve future amendments to the North Dakota Constitution.
Under current law, constitutional amendments pass with a simple majority of votes cast. If approved, this measure would require future constitutional amendments to receive at least 60% of the vote to pass.
A YES vote means:
• Future constitutional amendments would need at least 60% voter approval to pass.
A NO vote means:
• The current requirement would remain in place, allowing constitutional amendments to pass with a simple majority of votes cast.
Constitutional Measure No. 2
Free school breakfasts and lunches
This measure would add a new section to the North Dakota Constitution requiring public school districts, public schools and public charter schools to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day to enrolled students.
Schools would first maximize available federal funding before receiving state reimbursement. If lawmakers do not provide another funding source, reimbursements could come from the Legacy Earnings Fund.
A YES vote means:
• The proposed constitutional amendment would be adopted, requiring schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches as outlined in the measure.
A NO vote means:
• The proposed amendment would not be adopted, and the Constitution would remain unchanged.
Learn more:
The North Dakota secretary of state’s office provides the official ballot language, complete text of each measure, election deadlines and other voter information. Reviewing those materials before Election Day can help voters make informed decisions.
Voting in North Dakota
North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day and a North Dakota resident for at least 30 days before the election. Voters must present an accepted form of identification that includes their name, current North Dakota residential address and date of birth. This is typically a North Dakota driver’s license or non-driver’s ID.
Eligible voters can cast a ballot by absentee mail, during early voting if it is offered in their county or in person on Election Day. Before receiving a ballot, election workers verify each voter's identification and eligibility. Voters are also encouraged to review a sample ballot and confirm their polling location before Election Day. Visit sos.nd.gov for more information.
