North Dakota
Learn how ballot initiatives, constitutional amendments, and direct democracy shape public policy in North Dakota.
Can I vote early on Measure 1?
North Dakota offers in-person early voting in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Hours and locations can vary by county, so check North Dakota Secretary of State's election website for current early voting details.
Do I need to register to vote on Measure 1?
North Dakota is the only state in the country with no voter registration system. Eligible North Dakotans vote by presenting a valid ID at the polls. Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State's election website for information on accepted forms of ID and polling locations.
When will North Dakotans vote on Measure 1?
Measure 1 is on the November 2026 General Election ballot.
Is Measure 1 partisan?
The legislature that referred Measure 1 to voters is Republican-controlled. However, research consistently shows that voters across the political spectrum — regardless of party — support simple majority rule and view it as a matter of basic fairness. For more on the nonpartisan nature of direct democracy and majority rule, see our article on [what direct democracy is and why it matters].
How could a small number of voters block an amendment under Measure 1?
Because constitutional amendments can appear on the June Primary ballot — when turnout is much lower than in November — the absolute number of voters needed to make up the 40%+1 blocking threshold can be very small. Based on recent elections, as few as 45,019 North Dakota voters could constitute that blocking share in a primary, representing about 7.6% of all eligible North Dakota voters.
What would Measure 1 change?
It would make it significantly harder for constitutional amendments to pass. Under the current system, a majority of North Dakotans can approve a constitutional change. Under Measure 1, a minority of just over 40% could block an amendment even if most North Dakotans supported it. When you look at actual voter turnout, the number of North Dakotans who could overrule an amendment is actually even smaller—more like 20%. Imagine a scenario where 1 in 5 people control a vote, even if 4 out of 5 want something different to happen—that's what could happen if Measure 1 passes.
Where did Measure 1 come from?
The North Dakota General Assembly voted to place Measure 1 on the ballot. It did not originate from citizen petition.
What is Measure 1 in North Dakota?
Measure 1 is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment on North Dakota's November 2026 General Election ballot. If passed, it would raise the threshold for any future constitutional amendment — citizen-initiated or legislature-referred — from a simple majority (50%+1) to minority rule. It would require 60% of voters to pass any amendment, meaning that just over 40% could block amendments. This is minority rule. Read more about minority rule here.
What North Dakota ballot measures should I watch in 2026?
A significant question facing North Dakota voters in 2026 is Measure 1, a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment that would require future constitutional amendments to pass with 60% of the vote rather than a simple majority. Read our full breakdown: [What Is Measure 1 in North Dakota? The 2026 Supermajority Vote Explained]
How can I get involved in statewide ballot measure campaigns in North Dakota?
Beyond voting, you can volunteer with campaigns that are actively working to qualify or pass measures you care about. Check the websites of advocacy organizations working on issues in North Dakota to find campaigns seeking volunteers — whether for signature gathering, canvassing, or voter outreach.
What is early voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota offers in-person early voting in the weeks before Election Day. Hours and locations can vary by county and election, so visit the North Dakota Secretary of State's election website for current details.
Does North Dakota require voter registration?
No — North Dakota is the only state in the country without a voter registration system. Instead of registering in advance, eligible North Dakotans simply bring a valid form of ID to the polls on Election Day. To confirm what ID is acceptable and find your polling location, visit the North Dakota Secretary of State's election website.
Are ballot measures partisan in North Dakota?
No. Ballot measures are policy questions, not candidate races, and voters of any party affiliation can vote however they choose. Research shows that voters across the political spectrum — Democrats, Republicans, independents, and unaffiliated voters — value the ability to decide on laws directly. The process has been used successfully by coalitions that cross party lines entirely.
How many signatures are needed to place a measure on the North Dakota ballot?
For 2026, the requirement is 15,582 valid signatures for a citizen-initiated statute or veto referendum (2% of the state's population), and 31,164 signatures for a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment (4%). Signatures must be submitted at least 120 days before the election, and petitions may only circulate for one year.
What is a ballot measure in North Dakota
A ballot measure is a policy question placed on a ballot for voters in North Dakota to answer to approve or reject. Measures can add, change, or repeal state statutes or constitutional provisions. They can be placed on the ballot by citizens through signature collection or by the legislature through a referral vote.