Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="guywhofishes" data-source="post: 487156" data-attributes="member: 337">Constitutional Measure No. 1 (from Senate Concurrent Resolution 4007) is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on the North Dakota June 9, 2026 primary election ballot. It requires a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass and would change the state constitution if approved.30What It DoesIt amends Article III, Section 9 (initiative petitions) and Article IV, Section 16 (legislative proposals) of the North Dakota Constitution to require that every constitutional amendment — whether citizen-initiated or referred by the Legislature — must address only a single subject.45<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For citizen initiatives: The Secretary of State reviews petitions and can reject them for circulation if they cover more than one subject (with potential input from the Attorney General).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">For legislative referrals: The Legislature must limit its proposed amendments to one subject.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Goal (per supporters): Prevent “logrolling” (bundling unrelated issues), reduce voter confusion, and avoid “bait-and-switch” tactics where popular provisions hide controversial ones.20</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Fiscal impact: None.45</li> </ul>How it appears on the ballot (official summary): “This constitutional measure would amend and reenact section 9 of article III and section 16 of article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to requiring each resolution adopted by the legislative assembly proposing a constitutional amendment and each initiative petition and measure proposing a constitutional amendment be comprised of a single subject. … constitutional amendments would be limited to one subject. The Secretary of State shall not approve an initiative petition for circulation if the Secretary determines that the proposed amendment comprises more than one subject. Additionally, the legislative assembly is required to limit proposed amendments to the constitution to one subject.”48YES = Approve the single-subject requirement (changes the Constitution).NO = Reject it (no change; multi-subject amendments remain possible).This is narrower than the broader 2024 Measure 2 (which included signature increases and double-approval requirements and failed).46Pros (Arguments in Favor)<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Clarity for voters: Makes measures easier to understand and vote on without unrelated provisions complicating things.20</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Prevents deception: Stops “bait-and-switch” tactics (e.g., popular ideas like helping veterans paired with unrelated policy changes).46</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Common practice: Many states with initiative processes already use single-subject rules successfully; North Dakota’s Legislature already follows a similar rule for bills.20</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Focus and accountability: Forces sponsors to keep amendments targeted and transparent.46</li> </ul>Cons (Arguments Against)<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Potential barrier to initiatives: Could be used to block or complicate legitimate citizen-driven changes; enforcement by the Secretary of State/AG raises concerns about bias or overreach.20</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Unclear criteria: What counts as “one subject” may be subjective, adding bureaucratic hurdles and possible legal challenges.20</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Limits voter power: Critics (e.g., League of Women Voters, some Democrats) worry it could “handcuff” grassroots efforts, especially complex reforms like ethics commissions.46</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Timing concerns: Placed on the lower-turnout primary ballot rather than the general election.20</li> </ul>Note: This measure only affects constitutional amendments (not statutory initiated measures). A separate measure on the November 2026 ballot would change legislative term limits.5For the full official guide, check the ND Secretary of State’s site or vote.nd.gov. Local discussions or forums in Fargo may provide more ND-specific perspectives as the election nears.</blockquote>

Verification: What is the most common fish caught on this site?

Reply to thread

Recent Posts

Friends of NDA