Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Statewide ballot measures explained

Eddy County residents who applied for mail-in ballots received their general election ballots in the mail last week. While many likely have made their candidate selections for president, governor and other local races, there are two constitutional measures on the ballot for consideration of which they may not be aware. The Transcript has you covered with a breakdown of the measures and what a yes vote would mean, as per a memorandum sent out by the North Dakota Legislative Council.

Constitutional Measure #1 would amend the State Board of Higher Education membership and meeting requirements. In 2019, the Legislative Assembly adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4016, which would amend subsections 2 and 6 of Section 6 of Article VIII of the Constitution of North Dakota regarding the State Board of Higher Education. The measure would increase the number of individuals who serve on the State Board of Higher Education from 8 to 15 members and increase a board member’s term from 4 to 6 years. It would also prohibit state legislators, elected state officials, state employees, and employees of state higher education institutions from serving on the board and require the board to meet annually with the head of each institution under the board’s control. One of the 15 seats on the board would continue to be designated for a student enrolled in one of the state’s higher education institutions. The selection committee membership would also change, as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would be removed from the committee and replaced with the Secretary of State. The selection committee is charged with forwarding three names for prospective board membership to the Governor whenever an opening occurs. A “yes” vote means that you agree with the amendments to the makeup of the Board of Higher Education.

Constitutional Measure #2 would alter the procedure for amending the constitution through initiated measures. In 2019, the Legislative Assembly adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4001. This measure says that initiated measures for constitutional amendments only may be submitted to the voters on general election ballots. Also under Measure No. 2, a measure amending the constitution which voters approve in a general election would have to be submitted to the subsequent Legislative Assembly. If the Legislative Assembly were to approve the measure in the form approved by the voters, the measure would be enacted. If the Legislative Assembly does not approve the measure, the measure would be placed on the ballot again at the next general election. If the voters approve the measure a second time, the measure would be deemed enacted. A “yes” vote means that you agree to give the Legislative Assembly an opportunity to approve or reject a citizen-initiated amendment to the state constitution after it has already been approved by voters.

Both measures require a simple majority to pass.

 
 
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