North Dakota Groups Take Sides on Measure One

The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to raise the approval threshold for future North Dakota ballot initiatives.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections

North Dakota Groups Take Sides on Measure One

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Should the state increase the required voting threshold to pass constitutional amendments to 60 percent?

State interest groups and religious leaders are divided over Constitutional Measure One, which proposes raising the passage requirement for constitutional amendments. The measure seeks to shift the current approval threshold from a simple majority to a 60 percent supermajority.

Why it matters

Proponents argue that increasing the approval threshold acts as a necessary safeguard against outside interests and frequent constitutional changes. Conversely, opponents contend the shift undermines the fundamental democratic tradition of majority rule.

Constitutional Measure One aims to change the state's constitutional amendment process by raising the approval threshold from 50 percent plus one to 60 percent. The measure is set to appear on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election.

The players

John Folda

He serves as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo and is one of the religious leaders advocating for the measure.

David Kagan

He is the Bishop of the Bismarck Catholic diocese and a co-author of the letter endorsing Constitutional Measure One.

North Dakota Petroleum Council

This trade association represents the state's oil and gas industry and has formally endorsed the proposed amendment.

American Cancer Society Network

This advocacy organization is part of the coalition opposing the proposed change to the constitutional amendment process.

AFL-CIO

The labor federation is actively opposing the measure, citing concerns regarding the preservation of majority rule in the state.

The details

The Catholic dioceses of North Dakota, led by Bishops John Folda and David Kagan, have issued a joint letter formally backing the proposal. Meanwhile, a coalition including the American Cancer Society Network, the AFL-CIO, North Dakota United, and the League of Women Voters has organized in opposition.

November 3, 2026: The measure will appear on the ballot during the North Dakota general election.

Political Context

Opponents argue that the change to the North Dakota Constitution would severely restrict the ability of citizens to propose future amendments. They maintain that the current system is essential for maintaining democratic accountability in the state.

If passed, voters will face a significantly higher bar for successfully enacting future constitutional changes in the state. This change could impact how various policy proposals reach the ballot and ultimately become law.

The takeaway

Voters should be aware that this measure represents a fundamental shift in how the state constitution is modified. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the threshold for citizen-led amendments remains a simple majority or transitions to a supermajority.