VALLEY CITY, N.D. (ND Watchdog Network) – In June, voters will be asked to decide the first of several consequential measures that the Legislature has placed on this year’s North Dakota ballots. To help citizens learn about the content and background of the proposals, the Bismarck-based ND Watchdog Network will present “Protecting the Rights Reserved to the People: North Dakota’s Upcoming Ballot Initiatives” in Valley City.

On Saturday, April 11 at 5:30pm, Dustin Gawrylow will share information and answer audience questions.  Free and open to everyone, the event will be held at Sabir’s Dining and Lounge (338 Winter Show Road). Please RSVP by April 7 at (701) 490-2132.

This year on both ballots, the ND Legislature has placed measures that seek to curtail voters’ ability to directly make their voices heard via the initiated-measure process, Gawrylow said. He will provide a deep dive into three controversial proposals which, he said, could fundamentally change the state’s initiative process and term limit laws.

“2026 is going to be a pivotal year for the North Dakota Constitution,” Gawrylow said; “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.”

The ballot measures he will discuss on April 11:

• The Single-Subject Rule:A measure being placed on the June 2026 ballot by the Legislature that would restrict the scope of constitutional initiatives. A similar proposal was defeated by the voters in 2024.   
• The 60% Rule:A measure being placed on the November 2026 ballot that would require  a supermajority vote to approve citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.
• Term Limits Re-Write:A Legislative proposal being placed on the November 2026 ballot that would alter the term-limits amendment approved by voters in 2022.