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In North Dakota's upcoming June 11th primary election, nearly 70 legislative races are on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections. But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with …

While deep political divisions remain, a new PBS/Marist poll showed 81% of Americans acknowledging having friends with different political beliefs than their own. (Adobe Stock)

Poll puts spotlight on political violence concerns in U.S.

Local election leaders in North Dakota do not feel like political violence is something they will encounter but a new national poll added to the list …

U.S. researchers said there is a belief that boosting lawmaker pay might lead to more working-class legislators, but their information gathering does not back that up. North Dakota lawmakers are part-time, only meeting in Bismarck every other year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures

In North Dakota and all other states, the backgrounds of people serving in state legislatures largely leave out a key demographic, the working class…

In cities across the nation, local governments are hearing more feedback and discourse from residents about a range of matters during regular meetings. Those include broader issues, such as calls for ceasefire resolutions in light of the Israel-Hamas war. (Adobe Stock)

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Public comment has long been a staple of local government meetings. But in North Dakota and other parts of the country, this engagement tool faces a …

Despite court rulings showing no widespread fraud, lingering rhetoric from the 2020 presidential vote has to proposed procedural changes in conservative states. In North Dakota, that includes calls to return to counting votes by hand. (Adobe Stock)

ND election administrator: Prepare for long waits if hand counting advances

Petitions are being circulated for a potential ballot question in North Dakota that calls for the state to go back to counting votes by hand during el…

Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a central component for Native American tribes in North Dakota to successfully challenge political boundaries drawn by the Legislature. But other court rulings have weakened enforcement of the law, spurring the state to appeal. (Adobe Stock)

Legal wrangling continues over redistricting for ND tribal areas

CLARIFICATION: North Dakota Native Vote Board Chair Wes Davis isn't opposed to having all affected tribes in the same district. His comment …

WPA Intelligence was hired by the North Dakota News Cooperative for a public opinion poll on state policy matters. It says 517 likely voters were surveyed, and the poll's margin of error is plus or minus 4.3%. (Adobe Stock)

ND poll suggests voters aren't thrilled with legislative policy

A majority of likely voters in North Dakota oppose controversial policy moves at the state level, including efforts to add more hurdles for …

Former President Barack Obama's administration had rejected the Dakota Access oil pipeline over concerns about the impact on tribal lands, but it was revived under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates want more public accommodations for DAPL process

Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are …

While they scored some gains in the most recent redistricting process, North Dakota tribal advocates say legislative boundaries often dilute the voting power of Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

ND tribal advocates: Community work matters in redistricting cases

North Dakota is one step closer to getting a full sense of how the courts view redistricting challenges in tribal areas. Legal representatives say …

In 2012, North Dakota voters rejected a proposed ballot question to abolish property taxes. They may be asked a similar question next year if a proposed measure is approved for the 2024 ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND property tax plan spurs debate about hurting local schools, governments

There are warnings of cuts to municipal governments and schools, and some loss of local control for budget decisions, amid efforts to eliminate …

Given the more challenging environment facing election administrators, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has enhanced outreach efforts, such as establishing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day a few years ago, in hopes of recruiting more poll workers. (Adobe Stock)

ND film screening aims to highlight contributions from election workers

This coming Saturday, North Dakotans will get a chance to see how election workers go to great lengths to ensure a safe and secure voting process…

It has been nearly four years since North Dakota reached a settlement with Native American tribes over its Voter ID law, but advocates say there are still barriers for tribal members who want to cast a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

As 2024 vote looms, ND Tribal advocates ramp up outreach

While North Dakota does not have voter registration, civic engagement groups say efforts are still needed to help underserved populations get …

After false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, some states have lowered their risk of threats to democracy by enacting certain safeguards. A new analysis found North Dakota faces a 'moderate risk' of election denialism. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: ND Faces Moderate Threat from 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in North Dakota and other states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new analysis…

Election leaders in North Dakota's Cass County say after the 2022 elections, they heard from many voters who had waited in line for at least an hour at some locations. The feedback prompted changes for the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

ND County: Voter Feedback Inspires Changes for Smoother Process

North Dakota's biggest county is ushering in some changes for the 2024 election. Local leaders say the moves are largely based on feedback from …

Last fall, the Native American Rights Fund sued Benson County in a North Dakota case concerning fairness in elections for county commission seats. This spring, the group announced a settlement in the case. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Secure Settlement for Local Elections in ND County

For nearly two decades, a North Dakota county elected local commissioners in a way that did not comply with a consent decree concerning Native …

The Human Rights Campaign says so far in 2023, it has tracked more than 460 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses across the country. More than 190 aim to specifically restrict the rights of transgender people. (Adobe Stock)

Anti-Trans Bills in ND Give Way to 'Government Overreach' Messaging

In the coming days, North Dakota's governor will decide whether to sign several bills targeting transgender individuals. LGBTQ advocates say no …

Opponents of requiring citizenship documents to vote say they can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Democracy Groups Still Worried About Citizenship Bill in ND

As North Dakota's legislative session moves forward, additional debate is expected on a controversial voting bill, which calls for proof of …

Some North Dakota lawmakers say the state's voting process needs a citizenship requirement, but opponents say it is a solution in search of a problem. (Adobe Stock)

Voter Citizenship Bill in ND Stokes Fears About Accessibility

Another hearing is expected in the next couple of weeks on a controversial election policy bill in North Dakota. The plans call for requiring proof …

North Dakota lawmakers meet in regular session every other year. The 2023 session began this week. (Adobe Stock)

ND's New Native American Lawmakers Lay Out Priorities

More than two dozen new members are serving in the North Dakota House as the legislative session takes shape, and two newly elected Native American …

Last fall, a ballot measure calling for term limits in North Dakota passed with 63% of voters supporting the idea. That means the governor and state lawmakers in Bismarck will now have limits on how long they can serve. (Adobe Stock)

ND Kicks Off New Session with Term Limits in Place

North Dakota lawmakers returned to Bismarck this week for a new legislative session, but there is a twist: Term limits are now in place after voters …

Over the past couple years, education experts say school board meetings and candidate races have increasingly become volatile as so-called

LWV on ND Session: School Board Races, Early Voting Policy Eyed

The midterm elections are in the rearview mirror, but some North Dakotans are looking ahead to the legislative session as they monitor possible …

If it secures all the necessary permits and land agreements, Summit Carbon Solutions says it hopes to have its multi-state underground carbon pipeline operational sometime in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Local Ordinances Enter Carbon Pipeline Debate

There's a new dynamic in the fight over a proposed carbon pipeline for North Dakota and other Midwestern states. Counties are exploring drafting …

During this year's midterms, the Native American Rights Fund maintained contact with trained poll watchers in several states, including North Dakota, to offer any legal advice if an Indigenous voter had barriers in casting a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Highlight Efforts of Poll Watchers in Midterms

Organizers behind a multistate effort to assist Indigenous voters at the polls in last week's election said it proved to be a valuable tool. North …

In examining two North Dakota tribal communities, a new data project says the average length voters have to travel to cast their ballot is 60 miles. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Say Numbers Don't Lie in Voting Barriers

Native Americans have long faced barriers when it comes to voting, and a new North Dakota data project adds another layer to the arguments for access …

Not only has inflation created more economic gaps in tribal areas, food experts say it also has sent the cost of things like wild rice soaring. And that has limited access to these staples for Natives living in larger cities, too. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Pressure Builds Ahead of Elections in Tribal Areas

The economy is usually a big topic during elections. With the midterms near, recent inflation woes are especially felt in tribal areas, and …

In addition to protecting programs such as Social Security, older North Dakotans have told AARP reducing the threat of scams is another one of their top priorities. (Adobe Stock)

2022 Vote: Social Security, Drug Prices on Minds of ND Seniors

Early voting for the fall election begins one week from today in North Dakota. Candidate debates are on the horizon, too, and older residents are …

National surveys show local election administration roles are often held by women, especially for smaller jurisdictions. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, Women Shine in Overseeing Local Elections

More American women are being elected to public office. There is a mixed outlook in North Dakota, but women have a strong presence in local election …

Those involved with AARP's Community Challenge grant program say smaller efforts, such as installing park benches in an undeserved area, can go a long way in helping to make a place livable for everyone. (Adobe Stock)

ND Reaches New Heights in Community Livability Projects

Towns and cities across America are rolling out recruiting efforts to keep their populations stable. A grant program for community-led projects puts …

North Dakota was one of nearly a dozen states that had so-called trigger bans on abortions ready to take place in the event of federal protections being overturned. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Filed Against North Dakota's Abortion Ban

North Dakota's pending trigger law on abortions is being called unconstitutional in a new lawsuit. Separately, a handful of cities will see rallies …

Some political experts are now describing the January 6th Congressional hearings as the biggest political scandal in American history. (Adobe Stock)

ND Political Expert: Facts are Key Behind Jan. 6 Hearings

The nation still is dissecting revealing testimony from this week's committee hearing on the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. A top White …

Native Americans, who are now in court in response to North Dakota's redistricting efforts, say not prioritizing public hearings on tribal lands contributed to the issues seen with the maps that were approved. (Adobe Stock)

New Activity in ND Redistricting Lawsuits about Tribal Lands

July 1 is the next scheduled hearing date for a pair of lawsuits tied to North Dakota's redistricting process. The legal issue is political …

In Fargo, there are seven candidates for mayor and 15 people are running for city commission seats this year. (Adobe Stock)

ND Primary: Older Residents Can Have Their Say on Local Issues

When North Dakotans cast their primary ballots, it is not just for state and federal contests. Local offices are up for grabs, and civic groups say …

In addition to legislative seats, North Dakota will see Native American candidates running for county-level seats and school boards this year. (Adobe Stock)

Building Access for ND's Tribal Voters Focuses on Communication, Data

Ahead of North Dakota's June 14 primary, a civic engagement group is crunching numbers and maintaining talks with county and state election leaders …

North Dakota is one of nearly a dozen states that allow voters to weigh in via a statewide ballot initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Resistance Builds in Effort to Change ND's Ballot-Measure Process

Opposition has emerged against a proposal to make it tougher for constitutional amendments to be approved by North Dakota voters. The plan would …

North Dakota has a medical marijuana program, but efforts to approve recreational use of the drug in the state have run into more obstacles. (Adobe Stock)

ND Voters Might Get Another Say on Legalizing Marijuana

A pending decision could provide more clarity on whether North Dakota will get another chance to see how voters feel about legalizing marijuana…

The June 14 primary will be the first election since North Dakota's Republican-controlled Legislature approved new political maps. (Adobe Stock)

Did Your District Change? ND Voters Can Find Info Before Primary

North Dakota's new legislative map is being challenged in court. While the process plays out, voters are reminded to make sure they're caught up on …

Those pushing for fair political maps for North Dakota's Native American reservations say these communities often have a hard time electing candidates who align with their interests. (Photo courtesy of ndstudies.gov)

ND Faces Redistricting Lawsuit Filed by Native American Tribes

Two of North Dakota's Native American tribes hope new legal action will compel the state to reconsider political boundaries approved last year…

In 2020, North Dakota saw a 3% increase in voter turnout. Some election authorities say if participation continues to rise, they need to keep offering more ways to make casting a ballot convenient, including the use of voting centers. (Adobe Stock)

Voting Centers Might Stay Around in Some ND Counties

When North Dakotans head out to cast their ballots later this year, there is a chance some will do so in a voting center and not a designated …

A congressional committee investigating last year's attacks on the U.S. Capitol could hold televised hearings this year. But political divides remain over the significance of the event. (Adobe Stock)

ND Political Expert: One Year Later, Jan. 6 Events Still a Concern

It has been a year since the attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. Despite many arrests and a Congressional …

In North Dakota, issues such as mask mandates in schools have resulted in hostility in public venues, prompting some state lawmakers to say they've had enough. (Adobe Stock)

Political Anger Tied to ND Lawmakers Bowing Out

North Dakota's Legislature soon will see turnover, as more lawmakers announce they won't seek re-election. Various reasons are cited, but some …

GOP lawmakers in North Dakota say the recent redistricting process had to be shortened because of delayed census data. But tribal advocates feel it was too rushed, without enough opportunities for public testimony. (Adobe Stock)

Fresh Off Redistricting, ND Tribal Advocates Look for More Gains

MANDAN, N.D. -- Redistricting in North Dakota is now complete, but advocates for Native American voters say there is a lot to do between now and the …

According to an annual survey, 20% of Americans could not name any branches of government. (Adobe Stock)

Civics Knowledge Cloud Hangs Over Constitutional Debates

FARGO, N.D. -- The U.S. Supreme Court today takes up arguments in a high-stakes abortion case. It coincides with divisive arguments over voter fraud…

In 2020, Donald Trump overwhelmingly won the state of North Dakota, but some state GOP lawmakers say there's still the need to push for election reforms. (Adobe Stock)

A Year After 2020 Vote, Fraud Rhetoric Still Lingers in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's special session is getting attention for issues outside the original agenda. Some lawmakers are pushing for changes …

Voter advocates say organized national groups are influencing political divisiveness in states such as North Dakota, forcing lawmakers to diver their attention from more pressing matters. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Special Session, ND Lawmakers Urged Not to Get Sidetracked

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota lawmakers kick off a special session Monday, intended to be brief, so they can approve new political maps. But voter …

North Dakota has nearly 1,700 active lawyers, but a report says most are centered in urban areas. A majority of the state's 53 counties have 5 or fewer lawyers. (Adobe Stock)

Is ND Turning Into a Legal Desert?

MINOT, N.D. - North Dakota has just had a new class of attorneys admitted to the state bar. But some in the legal community feel there aren't enough …

North Dakota's redistricting committee meets next week on Tues., Sept. 28, and Wed., Sept. 29, and could make additional changes to a new voting-district map that advanced this week. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group: Redistricting Process Moving Too Fast

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota lawmakers in charge of redistricting have approved a preliminary draft of new legislative boundaries, but voters' …

In 2017, the Election Assistance Commission reported that nearly 60% of poll workers are at least 61 years of age. During the pandemic, that has resulted in more shortages for election offices due to health risks. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of 2022, ND Auditors Ponder Poll Workers, Mail-In Voting

CROSBY, N.D. -- North Dakota's county auditors are busy this fall preparing property tax bills, but they also have elections in the back of their …

Grassroots organizations say thanks to widely available software, the public can apply more pressure to state-level redistricting committees to create fair political maps. (Adobe Stock)

Got Your Pen Handy? ND Residents Urged to Submit Redistricting Maps

BISMARCK, N.D. -- "Do-it-yourself projects" are usually associated with home improvements, and as redistricting unfolds in North Dakota, voter …

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ND: Civic Engagement & Voting