North Dakota Bishops Urge Support for Measure 1

Bishops John Folda and David Kagan advocate for a higher constitutional amendment threshold in North Dakota.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Catholicism

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a symbolic monument in an open landscape, conveying the stability of state policy. — Bishops John Folda and David Kagan have formally endorsed North Dakota's Measure 1, which proposes requiring 60 percent voter approval for constitutional amendments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states require a 60 percent supermajority to pass constitutional amendments?

North Dakota bishops have officially announced their support for Measure 1, which aims to increase the voter threshold required for constitutional amendments. The proposal seeks to raise the approval requirement to 60 percent for any future changes to the state constitution.

Why it matters

The religious leadership suggests that this measure will promote the common good and protect the integrity of the state constitution. By increasing the threshold, supporters argue the state ensures broader consensus is reached for fundamental legal changes.

Measure 1 formally proposes a 60 percent supermajority requirement for passing future constitutional amendments in North Dakota. This adjustment marks a significant shift from the current voting requirement.

The players

John Folda

John Folda is a Bishop who signed the statement supporting the proposed constitutional change in North Dakota.

David Kagan

David Kagan is a Bishop who joined in issuing the public endorsement of the ballot initiative.

The details

Bishops John Folda and David Kagan signed a joint statement detailing their position on the ballot initiative. The document highlights the episcopal view that the constitutional stability offered by a higher threshold aligns with their goals for the state.

October 23, 2026: Bishops issued a statement supporting Measure 1.

Culture Shift

This endorsement reflects a broader trend of religious institutions engaging with state-level governance and constitutional design. It highlights how local leadership influences public opinion on the fundamental rules governing state law and citizen initiatives.

Residents must decide if the new 60 percent threshold aligns with their preferences for how the state constitution is amended. This vote will dictate the difficulty of passing future citizen initiatives, directly affecting how local policies are enacted or blocked.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific implications of the 60 percent threshold on their ability to pursue future constitutional changes. Understanding the mechanics of supermajority requirements is essential for participants in the upcoming election.