Voting FAQs

Q: What would Measure 1 change?

Learn how voting thresholds can shift power from a majority to a minority and why that matters for ballot measures.

Explore plain-English answers to common questions about ballot measures, direct democracy, and the rules that shape how voters make decisions.

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.