Frequently Asked Questions
Constitutional Measure 1
General Election | Tuesday, November 3, 2026
North Dakota voters will decide Constitutional Measure 1 on November 3, 2026. North Dakota Farm Bureau (NDFB) supports Measure 1, which would require 60% voter approval to amend the North Dakota Constitution.
What is Constitutional Measure 1?
Measure 1 would raise the threshold for approving a constitutional amendment from a simple majority (50% plus one vote) to 60%.
It applies to amendments initiated by citizens and those referred by the Legislative Assembly. It does not change the threshold for citizen-initiated statutory measures.
Why does NDFB support Measure 1?
The Constitution is the foundation of state government. Changes to it should reflect broad, lasting support among North Dakota voters, while policy changes continue through the legislative process.
Since 2021, NDFB members have adopted and reaffirmed policy calling for a higher threshold to amend the Constitution.
How would Measure 1 change the voting process?
A constitutional amendment would need at least 60% of the vote to pass, whether it was initiated by citizens or referred by the Legislature.
What changes
- Constitutional amendments need 60% to pass
- Applies to citizen-initiated amendments
- Applies to Legislature-referred amendments
What stays the same
- Statutory measures pass with a simple majority
- Citizens can still propose laws and amendments
- How you cast your ballot
Would Measure 1 make it harder to change state law?
No. Citizen-initiated statutory measures would still pass with a simple majority, and citizens keep the ability to propose changes to state law. Only the threshold for amending the Constitution would change.
How is changing the Constitution different from changing state law?
The Constitution sets the foundation and structure of state government. State laws, found in the North Dakota Century Code, address specific policies and issues.
NDFB believes the Constitution should be reserved for fundamental matters of governance, with policy decisions handled through statutes that can be debated and adjusted as circumstances change.
Why is a higher threshold being proposed?
Constitutional changes should have broader support than a narrow majority in a single election. NDFB is also concerned about the influence of well-funded, out-of-state organizations in North Dakota ballot campaigns.
Does Measure 1 apply to amendments from the Legislature?
Yes. The 60% threshold applies to all constitutional amendments, whether initiated by citizens or referred by the Legislative Assembly.
Would Measure 1 keep citizens from proposing amendments?
No. Citizens keep the ability to bring constitutional amendments to the ballot through the initiative process.
How difficult is it to amend the U.S. Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution is intentionally difficult to amend. Under Article V, an amendment generally needs a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress, then ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Only 27 amendments have been adopted since 1788, including the Bill of Rights. NDFB believes North Dakota’s Constitution is just as important to the state and deserves the same protection.
What happens after the vote?
If Measure 1 passes
Future constitutional amendments would need at least 60% voter approval. The threshold for statutory measures stays the same.
If Measure 1 does not pass
The current simple-majority threshold for constitutional amendments remains in place.
What is NDFB recommending?
NDFB encourages members and eligible voters to take part in the November 3, 2026, general election and vote YES on Constitutional Measure 1, keeping the Constitution a stable foundation for North Dakota’s government.
VOTE YES ON CONSTITUTIONAL MEASURE 1
General Election | Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Learn more
Listen: Straight Talk with NDFB, featuring Public Policy Director Calvin Benson, breaks down what Measure 1 would change.