North Dakota Mailed Ballot Measure Guides to Voters

The state sent informational guides to 450,000 households ahead of the November 3 general election.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a thick sealed envelope on a plain surface, representing government voter communication. — The North Dakota Secretary of State has mailed informational ballot measure guides to 450,000 active voters ahead of the November 3 election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The North Dakota Secretary of State has mailed official ballot measure guides to 450,000 active voters across the state. This distribution provides residents with details on two key measures appearing on the November 3 general election ballot.

Why it matters

The mailing fulfills a mandate from the North Dakota Legislature to ensure voters are informed about proposed constitutional changes and state programs. This initiative seeks to increase transparency and voter engagement for upcoming state-level decisions.

The mailings reached 450,000 active voters, defined as residents who have cast a ballot within the last four years. The guide covers Measure 1, which affects constitutional amendment thresholds, and Measure 2, which proposes state-funded K-12 meals.

The players

North Dakota Secretary of State

This constitutional office is responsible for the administration of state elections and the distribution of official voter information.

North Dakota Legislature

This is the state's lawmaking body responsible for drafting and passing the mandates that guide the operations of state agencies.

The details

The guide was prepared and distributed by the Secretary of State's office following a mandate passed by the state legislature last year. It provides essential information regarding Measure 1, which proposes increasing the vote percentage required to amend the constitution, and Measure 2, which involves state funding for K-12 student meals.

The state legislature mandated the creation of the ballot measure guide in 2025.
The Secretary of State mailed the guides to voters on September 18, 2026.
The general election is scheduled to occur on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

This mailing follows a pattern set by the North Dakota Legislature's 2025 mandate on ballot measure guide distribution, which governs the dissemination of voter information. Opposition groups often argue that such state-published guides can inadvertently influence voting behavior through the selection of explanatory language.

Voters should review the provided guide to understand how the proposed changes to the constitution could alter future amendment processes. The information also clarifies the potential impact of state-funded meal programs on the local education budget.

The takeaway

Voters are encouraged to utilize the state-provided information to prepare for the November 3 general election. Understanding the details of Measure 1 and Measure 2 ensures residents are equipped to make informed decisions at the ballot box.