North Dakota Election Highlights

Posted 11/13/24 (Wed)

Donnell Preskey | NDACo Government/Public Relations Specialist

(Note: see this article with graphics at www.ndaco.org/county-news/november-december-2024-nd-county-news, p. 5)

The General Election proved to be successful for North Dakota Counties with the defeat of Measure 4. 63% of voters were opposed to the measure to eliminate property taxes. A county-by-county analysis shows that the No vote was in the majority in all 53 counties, in some counties the No vote was as high as 75%.

“It was apparent during the campaign that North Dakotans are frustrated with property taxes, but the defeat of Measure 4 signals that North Dakotans realize that proposal was not the answer,” said NDACo Executive Director Aaron Birst. “The failure of Measure 4 also indicates that ultimately citizens trust their local government to make budget decisions rather than the Legislature.”

NDACo joined the Keep It Local Coalition after NDACo members passed a resolution to oppose efforts to eliminate property taxes. Several other county member associations also joined in the efforts to inform voters about the importance of property taxes in funding local services.

“Many county members spent their own time to meet and inform North Dakota citizens about their concerns on Measure 4. Those efforts paid off. Thank you to all the county officials who used their voice to inform voters,” said Birst.

Property tax relief will be a top priority for the Legislature to address in the 2025 Session. It is certain legislators will bring forward various concepts for providing further relief to citizens, but we also recognize that limitations on the level of increase will also be part of the conversation. In a news conference the day after the Election, Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong said property tax relief will be his number one priority and finding a level that is sustainable long term is critical.

Voters also rejected Measure 5, to legalize marijuana, but more narrowly. The measure was defeated with a vote of 53% No to 47% Yes.  This is the third attempt to get voters to legalize marijuana. Previous measures were on the ballot in 2022 and 2018.

North Dakotans approved reducing how much Legacy Fund principal lawmakers can spend from 15% to 5%. Voters defeated the measure that required constitutional measures to be approved in two elections and to be one subject only.

County Measurers & Races

County Measures were more mixed. Divide and Walsh Counties had measures to increase taxes for roads and bridges which passed with more than 60% support. Three counties had proposals to increase taxes for historical society and one with an increase for extension; those measures failed. Two counties proposed a sales tax increase to offset property taxes. A 1% sales tax increase in Morton County was approved to be dedicated to public safety. However, a .5% sales tax for infrastructure in Sargent County was defeated. McHenry County residents approved increasing the 911 fee to $1.50. Measures to allow counties to appoint officials failed in Nelson and Mercer. Voters in Williams and Mountrail approved abolishing their Weather Modification Authorities.

There were many county races as well. 115 Commissioners were on the ballot with only 48 incumbents running unopposed. There are 39 newly elected commissioners. Due to our print deadline, we were unable to complete an analysis of these races.

Legislative Races

Republicans have retained supermajorities in both the North Dakota House and Senate. In the House, Republicans won 46 of the 51 available seats. 25 seats were up in the Senate, with Republicans winning 22 of the races.

Voters Show Up

A record number of North Dakotans cast their ballots before Election Day with 51% voting early or voting absentee. 62.5% of eligible voters cast 371,510 ballots.

Election results are unofficial until county canvassing boards meet on November 18th and are certified by the State Canvassing Board on November 20th.