Lawmakers pass ban on approval, ranked-choice voting in North Dakota
Fargo voters embraced approval voting years ago, hoping for a fairer, more representative local election process. Now, that experiment may be coming to an end. Lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban approval and ranked-choice voting statewide—despite Fargo’s clear support for the method. Supporters of the ban say it’s about preserving trust and simplicity. Opponents say it overrides local choice. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision, with Fargo’s trailblazing system hanging in the balance.
Why does this matter in Minot? It’s evidence that we’re on the slow train to central control. And when we usurp local control in favor of Bismarck decision makers, what we lose is the ability to solve problems that are unique to our communities. Peyton Haug with InForum has latest on the lawmaking in Bismarck; bill details are below.
HB 1297
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 16.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to prohibiting approval voting and ranked-choice voting in elections; and to amend and reenact subsection 7 of section 11-09.1-05 and subsection 9 of section 40-05.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to home rule powers in counties and cities.
House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Heilman (R, District 7), Heinert (R, District 32), Kasper (R, District 46), Louser (R, District 5),
Senate Sponsors: Castaneda (R, District 40), Clemens (R, District 16), Enget (R, District 2), Larson (R, District 30), Paulson (R, District 3), Wobbema (R, District 24),
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