Nearly double the signatures needed turned in to get free school meals on the ballot in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — There is a very strong chance North Dakota voters will decide a constitutional initiative to offer breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost.

The group “Together for School Meals” has delivered petitions to the Secretary of State’s office in Bismarck.

They turned in nearly 19-hundred petition packets containing around 57,000 signatures.

A little more than 31,000 valid signatures are needed to get the measure on the November ballot.

The Secretary of State has until May 14 to determine if the signatures are valid.

If the measure is approved in the fall, it would apply to all public school districts and public charter schools in the state.

The group says nonpublic schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and other tribal schools would have the option to participate, ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals.