Legislators hear testimony on second bill that would affect approval voting in Fargo

BISMARCK, N.D. — There are now two bills being debated in the North Dakota Legislature that would end the practice of approval voting in Fargo.

KVRR News reported on HB 1297 last week. That bill would ban approval and ranked choice voting in the state. HB 1307 would make home charter rules that conflict with state laws null and void.

Legislators listened to testimony on the bill during a hearing on Thursday.

As originally written, the bill would have affected any home rule that was in conflict with state law, such as liquor laws.

The bill was amended so that it would only apply to election law.

Most of those testifying in opposition to the bill voiced their concerns over the bill’s original wording, but some still oppossed the bill as amended.

One of those in opposition to the bill was the North Dakota League of Cities. They cited election practices other than approval voting that could be affected by the bill as amended.

“It would not allow a city to decide to have a primary. (…) We also have cities that, with their resident’s support, have adopted ordinances that allow for a lesser signature threshold to get on the ballot. (…) So I think there’s some greater ordnances that would be impacted by this change,” said North Dakota League of Cities Deputy Director Stephanie Dassinger Engebretson.

Legislators adjourned the hearing without making any motions either for or against the bill.