North Dakota Voters to Weigh Controversial Ballot Measures

Dustin Gawrylow hosts town hall in Valley City to educate public on upcoming constitutional changes

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:21am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting the symbols of North Dakota's democratic process - a ballot box, voting booth, and state capitol building - in a swirling, abstract composition that conveys the tension and uncertainty surrounding the proposed constitutional changes.North Dakota's upcoming ballot measures could reshape the state's political landscape through sweeping changes to the direct democracy process.Valley City Today

A lively audience of about 45 people turned out in Valley City, North Dakota on April 11th to participate in a town hall presentation by Dustin Gawrylow, the Managing Director of the Bismarck-based North Dakota Watchdog Network. Gawrylow offered a 'deep dive' into three constitutional measures that the North Dakota Legislature has voted to put before voters in the 2026 Primary and General Elections, including changes to the ballot initiative process, a supermajority requirement for constitutional amendments, and an attempt to rewrite the voter-approved term limits law.

Why it matters

These ballot measures represent a significant shift in North Dakota's direct democracy process, potentially making it more difficult for citizens to amend the state constitution through voter-led initiatives. The term limits re-write also raises questions about the legislature's ability to override the will of voters who approved term limits just a few years prior.

The details

The three measures Gawrylow covered include: 1) The 'Single-Subject Proposal' that would restrict the scope of constitutional initiatives, 2) The '60% Proposal' that would require a supermajority approval for constitutional amendments, and 3) The 'Term Limits Re-Write' that would alter the term limits amendment approved by voters in 2022. Gawrylow noted that the North Dakota Supreme Court is currently weighing whether the legislature can even propose changes to the voter-approved term limits law.

  • The Single-Subject Proposal will be on the June 2026 ballot.
  • The 60% Proposal and Term Limits Re-Write will be on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Dustin Gawrylow

The Managing Director of the Bismarck-based North Dakota Watchdog Network, who is touring the state with voter-education town halls on the upcoming constitutional ballot measures.

North Dakota Legislature

The state legislature that has voted to put these controversial constitutional measures before voters in the 2026 elections.

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What they’re saying

“'2026 is going to be a pivotal year for the North Dakota Constitution. Between changes to how ballot measures work and a legislative re-write of the voters' will on term limits, it is vital that the public understands exactly what they will be voting on this June and November.'”

— Dustin Gawrylow, Managing Director, North Dakota Watchdog Network

What’s next

The North Dakota Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether the legislature can legally propose changes to the voter-approved term limits law. Their ruling could impact the Term Limits Re-Write measure on the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

These proposed constitutional changes in North Dakota represent an ongoing tension between the power of the legislature and the power of direct democracy through voter-led initiatives. The outcome of these ballot measures could significantly reshape the state's political landscape for years to come.