Competing bills would change how candidates get on North Dakota ballot
The North Dakota Legislature is considering two significant bills that aim to change how candidates access the ballot. One proposal, introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe, would eliminate party endorsements, requiring statewide candidates to gather 2,000 signatures and legislative candidates 167. Nathe argues this promotes inclusivity and reduces insider influence. Meanwhile, Rep. Ben Koppelman proposes a contrasting approach that would maintain the option of signatures only if the party doesn’t endorse a candidate. These proposals reflect evolving tensions within North Dakota’s political landscape.
One is a more open elections system, one is a party-controlled election system. This a re radically different philosophies; both proposals come from within the Republican Party. Michael Achterling with the has the full story. Bill details on each follow below.
HB 1446
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 16.1-03-14 and 16.1-03-21, subsection 1 of section 16.1-08.1-02.3, subsection 1 of section 16.1-08.1-02.4, and sections 16.1-09-02, 16.1-11-06, 16.1-11-10, 16.1-11-11, 16.1-11-12, 16.1-11-18, 16.1-11-30, and 16.1-11-39, subsection 1 of section 16.1-12-02, and sections 16.1-12-09 and 16.1-13-08.1, of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to placing the name of a candidate on the primary election ballot; and to repeal sections 16.1-11-05.1 and 16.1-11-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to party organization endorsements and certificates of endorsement.
House Sponsors: Nathe (R, District 30), D. Anderson (R, District 6), Berg (R, District 8), Bosch (R, District 30), Longmuir (R, District 2), Nelson (R, District 14), Porter (R, District 34), Swiontek (R, District 10),
Senate Sponsors: Bekkedahl (R, District 1), Cleary (R, District 35), Dever (R, District 32), Roers (R, District 27),
,
HB 1424
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 16.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the issuance of a certificate of endorsement by a district party; and to amend and reenact sections 16.1-11-06 and 16.1-11-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to certificates of endorsement and the secretary of state’s duty to place a candidate’s name on a primary election ballot.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16),
Senate Sponsors:
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