North Dakota House Bill HB1273

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/23
• Engrossed: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Refer: 3/3/23
• Report DNP: 3/24/23
• Enrolled: 4/3/23
• Vetoed: 4/6/23
• Passed: 4/26/23

Caption

Home rule powers.

Impact

The passage of HB 1273 would amend specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code, particularly emphasizing home rule powers. It renders any local ordinances that conflict with the state prohibition as void. This could significantly impact local governments, as it restricts their autonomy to adopt alternative voting practices that may align better with community preferences or needs. The intended outcome is a more regulated and perhaps simplified electoral landscape, although it risks undermining local governance and the tailored governance that local bodies may provide.

Summary

House Bill 1273 is a legislative proposal that seeks to prohibit ranked-choice and approval voting methodologies across local, state, and federal elections in North Dakota. Specifically, it disallows the implementation of ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and approval voting, which allows voters to select multiple candidates they approve of. By enacting this prohibition, the bill intends to centralize electoral processes and ensure uniformity in how elections are conducted throughout the state. This reflects a significant stance on the management of electoral processes, limiting the ability of local jurisdictions to innovate in how they approach voting methods.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1273 appears divided among lawmakers and the public. Proponents of the bill argue that it fosters a standard electoral procedure, ensuring clarity and consistency in elections. They contend that non-traditional voting methods could confuse voters and lead to dissatisfaction with the electoral process. However, opponents criticize the bill as an infringement on local control and an attempt to stifle electoral innovation. This controversy indicates a larger ideological battle regarding the balance of power between state and local governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise regarding the implications of centralized control over election methods. Critics express concern that the ban on ranked-choice and approval voting limits options for voters and ignores successful models that have been adopted in other jurisdictions. Additionally, the elimination of local regulatory authority over electoral processes raises questions about the responsiveness of the state to local needs and preferences, further fueling the debate on the appropriateness of such a prohibition.