Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
When residents go to cast their votes in this year’s midterm elections, there will be more than just candidates on their ballot to choose from.
In North Dakota, there are also two ballot measures (Measure 1 and Measure 2), to which residents can vote “yes” or “no.”
Both are hotly contested and are sparking fierce debate, and the Transcript is explaining them in detail with the purpose of arming local residents with knowledge they’ll need before making an informed decision.
Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 1
Put simply, Measure 1 would limit the amount of time elected officials in North Dakota can remain in office.
If enough people vote “yes” to Measure 1, a new article would be added to the state’s constitution. That article would limit an individual from serving in the N.D. House of Representatives or N.D. Senate for more than eight years.
A person could, however, be a senator for eight years and still be eligible for up to eight years of service as a representative.
Also, Measure 1 would only allow an individual to to be elected the state’s Governor twice.
Service as a legislator or election to the Governorship prior to Measure 1 being enacted would not count towards an individual's eight-year or two-election limit. A legislator would not be allowed to serve a full or remaining term if serving that term would put them over the eight-year limit.
If Measure 1 is approved, it would go into effect on January 1.
Voters who agree with placing these limits on North Dakota’s elected officials, should vote “yes” to Measure 1. Voters who disagree with placing those limits on North Dakota’s elected officials, should vote “no” to Measure 1.
Initiated Statutory Measure No. 2
If enough people vote “yes” to Measure 2, recreational cannabis, a.k.a. marijuana, would become legal in North Dakota.
More specifically, a new statute would be added to North Dakota Century Code that legalizes the production, processing and sale of cannabis, as well as its use by individuals aged 21 and older.
Limitations and regulations on businesses that dispense cannabis would be put in place, along with protections, limitations, penalties and employer rights relating to the use of cannabis products.
If enacted, Measure 1 is expected to raise $3,145,000 in revenue, and cost $4,985,000 in expenses beginning in 2023 through the 2025-2027 biennium.
Voters who agree with the legalization of recreational cannabis should vote “yes” to Measure 2. Voters who disagree with the legalization of recreational cannabis should vote “no” to Measure 2.
This year’s midterm election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and Eddy County residents can vote in-person at the Brown Memorial in New Rockford from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
However, voting is already well underway in Eddy County. According to Eddy County Auditor Patty Williams, 571 mail-in ballots have been mailed out, and as of the end of the day Wednesday, 308 had already been returned.
Williams stressed that voters with mail-in ballots need to be sure their ballots are postmarked the day before the election (Nov. 7), and that the earlier they’re submitted the better.
Mail-in ballots can also be brought to the auditor’s office in the courthouse, or placed in the drop box located behind the courthouse. Williams noted that the drop off location will be closed at 5 p.m. the day before the election.
