Voters to Decide Measure 1 Constitutional Amendment
North Dakotans vote Nov. 3 on raising the threshold for future constitutional amendments to 60%.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should North Dakota require 60% approval for future constitutional amendments?
North Dakota voters will decide Measure 1 on Nov. 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the threshold for passing future amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Campaign spending on both sides is projected to surpass $3 million, much of it from out-of-state groups.
Why it matters
The measure would change how the state constitution can be amended, affecting how future ballot initiatives qualify and pass across North Dakota. Supporters argue the higher bar protects the constitution from well-funded special interests, while opponents say it makes amendments harder for voters to adopt.
The current threshold for passing a constitutional amendment is 50% plus one vote, and Measure 1 would raise it to 60%. The Fairness Project has invested more than $1.6 million to oppose the measure, while the nonprofit Strong ND has spent about $1 million in support.
The players
Fairness Project
A Washington, D.C.-based group that has invested more than $1.6 million opposing Measure 1.
Strong ND
A nonprofit group that has spent approximately $1 million supporting Measure 1, with commercials featuring Gov. Kelly Armstrong.
Kelly Armstrong
The governor of North Dakota, who appears in Strong ND's pro-Measure 1 commercials.
Dustin Gawrylow
Director of the North Dakota Watchdog Network, a voice in the state's debate over the measure.
The details
Campaign spending is flowing into television advertising, direct mail, and out-of-state political consulting firms. Supporters, including the North Dakota Family Alliance, are urging a 'yes' vote, arguing a higher threshold would shield the state constitution from outside influence.
Timeline
The Measure 1 proposal originated during the 2025 legislative session, and lawmakers then approved placing it on the ballot.
Voters decide Measure 1 on Nov. 3, 2026.
Political Context
Measure 1 would change North Dakota's amendment rules by raising the approval threshold from 50% plus one vote to 60%. Opponents argue this shift would make it substantially harder for citizens to pass future constitutional changes through the ballot.
If approved, Measure 1 would make it harder for North Dakota voters to amend the state constitution, since future amendments would need 60% support instead of a simple majority. The result would apply to every future constitutional change placed before voters.
The takeaway
Measure 1 asks North Dakota voters to decide how high the bar should be for changing their constitution. The outcome will shape how future amendments can reach the ballot and pass.
What happens next
Voters will decide Measure 1 at the ballot box on Nov. 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how ballot measures are shaped, see our Elections coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
Live Poll
Should North Dakota require 60% approval for future constitutional amendments?
