Fargo, ND, USA / The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO
By Amy Dalrymple
BISMARCK ( North Dakota Monitor) – A resolution the North Dakota House advanced on Wednesday seeks to raise the voter-approval threshold for ballot measures that would amend the state constitution.
But even if the state Senate supports the measure, the decision will still be up to voters.
The House voted 65-28 in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which proposes that ballot measures to amend the state constitution need approval from 60% of voters rather than a simple majority.
Under the proposal, the higher threshold would apply to citizen-initiated ballot measures, as well as constitutional measures placed on the ballot by lawmakers.
Supporters said North Dakota’s constitution is too easy to change, leaving it vulnerable to influence by out-of-state special interest groups.
“I’m afraid, in my opinion, that North Dakota’s getting a reputation that it is a state that can be bought,” said Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck.
Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, said he finds it odd that local school building referendums require a higher threshold of voter approval than changes to the state constitution.
House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, said a 60% approval threshold “underscores the importance and gravity” of changing the constitution.
Rep. Lori VanWinkle, R-Minot, said the higher threshold won’t deter well-funded campaigns from attempting to influence the Constitution, but it will hinder citizen efforts.
“It really is going to stop the grassroots movement from accomplishing anything,” VanWinkle said.
House Minority Leader Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, urged House members to vote no and trust the voters. He pointed out that if the resolution is on the ballot, it would only need support from a simple majority to pass.
In November, North Dakota voters defeated Measure 2, which contained several changes to the citizen-initiated measure process, including limiting measures to a single subject, requiring that voters approve measures twice, and increasing the percentage of signatures required to place a measure on the ballot.
The resolution advances to the Senate for further consideration.
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