North Dakota

North Dakota lawmakers ban approval voting system used in Fargo

Published

1 year ago

March 30, 2023

North Dakota lawmakers ban approval voting system used in Fargo

BISMARCK — Fargo’s present voting course of in municipal elections will possible develop into null and void after the North Dakota Senate overwhelmingly handed a invoice that seeks to ban approval voting throughout the state.

Senate lawmakers on Thursday, March 30, handed

Home Invoice 1273

, which might prohibit rank-choice voting and approval voting techniques all through the state of North Dakota, together with Fargo the place the final two elections have utilized approval voting.

The vote handed 33-13, and with the Home’s 74-19 vote on Feb. 15, clears the two-thirds majority threshold wanted to override a possible veto from Gov. Doug Burgum.

An modification to the invoice to grandfather Fargo’s approval voting system failed within the Home.

Defenders of approval voting, which grew to become regulation in Fargo behind a 2018 poll measure, mentioned it was one other instance of presidency overreach.

Approval voting permits Fargo residents to forged votes for all candidates they approve of in municipal races, such because the mayoral and metropolis fee elections. The candidate with essentially the most votes wins the seat.

Makes an attempt to succeed in Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney for remark weren’t profitable.

North Dakota Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, speaks on the Senate flooring on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Jeremy Turley / Discussion board Information Service

Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, mentioned the invoice was an “pointless intrusion.”

“It was the voters selection. It has been a hit there,” she mentioned.

Sen. Shawn Vedaa, R-Velva, mentioned approval voting involved him as a result of it was much like ranked voting. “We definitely don’t suppose that ranked voting is the best way to vote on this nation. To rank them in a voting state of affairs isn’t what our founders believed in,” Vedaa mentioned.

Lee argued again, noting Fargo’s present voting system was not a ranked voting system.

Fargo-based Sen. Kyle Davison identified Fargo was the

first metropolis in the US to make use of approval voting in a municipal election.

”

There was some frustration in our metropolis. And that’s when the residents from over right here mentioned how may we make this extra truthful and would encourage extra individuals to run, which it did,” Davison mentioned. ” It truly is form of messy when you ask me.”

If approval voting is what Fargo wished, then town ought to be those to vote it out, mentioned Sen. Ronald Sorvaag, R-Fargo. “I don’t suppose it’s any enterprise of the Legislature, and I take a look at prime sponsors that aren’t even from town which are asking this to go away,” he mentioned.

One of the best authorities is the nearer you get to individuals, Sorvaag added. “If it’s so unsuitable, then go away it alone. Allow them to make the selection and govern themselves.”

The invoice was first launched by Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, to the Home Political Subdivisions committee on Feb. 9.

“This invoice was introduced earlier than (the Home) to make sure that all residents of North Dakota have their constitutional and civic rights protected by the state and never… be diluted… by town or by the native poll,” Koppelman mentioned beforehand.

Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, mentioned she believed the invoice was consultant of the whole state, and never simply Fargo.

“I believe it is a broader facet of how we wish to be as a state. I see it as a state invoice, and state legislators ought to take that mandate,” Myrdal mentioned.

Sen. Ryan Braunberger, D-Fargo, echoed a few of his colleagues, saying the choice ought to be left as much as the Fargo voters.

“We have to observe the voices of the individuals, and the individuals did communicate within the space I characterize,” Braunberger mentioned. “We have to convey confidence again, and the one manner to try this is to get ourselves out of the native elections, and allow them to vote the best way they need.”

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North Dakota

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

Published

4 hours ago

July 21, 2024

Press Room

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The hundred-day span between Memorial Day and Labor Day is marked as the most deadly period on the road here in North Dakota.

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s 2022 crash summary report, fatal crashes are twice as likely during this time.

That’s why North Dakota leaders are urging drivers to not fall into a “false sense of security” during the bright and cheery days of summer.

According to Travel and Leisure, North Dakota has been marked as the state with the most reckless drivers.

There’s a range of reasons for this from drunk driving to speeding. But another reason is that when the snow clears, North Dakota drivers are eager to get out more and drive faster than they would in the snow, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division director.

And because North Dakota has some of the lowest citation fees in the nation, ranging from $5 to $100, the Highway Patrol’s safety and education officer says that drivers aren’t given enough deterrents to drive safely.

However, with growing concerns about safety, there could be talk of increasing citation amounts in coming legislative sessions.

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North Dakota

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

Published

11 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Aquatic nuisance species are nonnative plants, animals and pathogens that can threaten our aquatic resources. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking proactive measures to stop the spread of ANS into our waterbodies by conducting watercraft inspections at popular boat ramps statewide.

“We got watercraft inspectors that are working throughout this summer around the state of North Dakota to check boats, to educate boat owners to do the right things at ramps, make sure boats are all clean, drain, dry before recreating here,” said Ben Holen, NDGF Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator.

What can anglers or watercraft recreationists expect when they come to an ANS inspection?

“A watercraft inspector will ask a few questions, only takes a couple minutes, and then they look at the hull of the boat. They’re looking at the engine area, looking at the anchor and also looking at all drain compartments, making sure all water is out of that watercraft. Everything is drained. Everything is cleaned, drained, dry before you get on that water body,” said Holen.

These watercraft inspections are voluntary and most people are cooperative and thankful the Game and Fish Department is spearheading efforts to stop the spread of ANS.

“We see a lot of our fishermen are really educated about aquatic nuisance species. They’re pulling their plugs every time, removing vegetation, doing the right things. Occasionally there are slip-ups, but that’s why our inspectors are out here making sure that those boats are good to go,” said Holen.

It’s not only fishing boats that are inspected, it’s all watercraft.

“So whether you’re a jet skier, a kayak, a canoer, a wakeboarder, you all play a part in curbing the spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Dakota,” said Holen.

The purpose of these inspections is to educate the public so they can help curb the spread of ANS.

“We can’t be at every ramp, every single circumstance, so hopefully some of these recreationists can take the tools that they learn from watercraft inspectors and apply them on their own when they’re out there recreating on their own and do a self-inspection,” said Holen.

The Game and Fish Department is committed to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

“So we really, really like to keep it that way and keep these resources pristine for a long time,” said Holen.

For more information on Aquatic Nuisance Species, visit gf.nd.gov

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North Dakota

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

Published

18 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

STACKER — The typically busy summer driving season tends to lead to more demand for gasoline and, in turn, higher prices at the pump. But that hasn’t happened this summer, and analysts aren’t sure of the reason.

“[Drivers] appear to be staying off the road, and the recent scorching heat is possibly to blame. Maybe things will pick up soon,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement Thursday, adding that prices could dip even lower.

Prices are several cents above their levels a month ago, but a gallon of gas is still cheaper than it was this same time last summer. The U.S. has been producing a large amount of gasoline to bolster domestic supply, another factor that can push prices downward. The total amount of gasoline in the U.S. supply is slightly above the five-year average, according to Energy Information Administration data.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in North Dakota. Gas prices are as of July 19.

North Dakota by the numbers
– Gas current price: $3.39
– Week change: $0.00 (0.0%)
– Year change: -$0.08 (-2.3%)
– Historical expensive gas price: $4.80 (6/15/22)

– Diesel current price: $3.65
– Week change: -$0.01 (-0.2%)
– Year change: -$0.13 (-3.3%)
– Historical expensive diesel price: $5.62 (6/25/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in North Dakota
#1. Minot: $3.48
#2. Bismarck: $3.48
#3. Grand Forks (ND only): $3.27
#4. Fargo-Moorhead (ND only): $3.24

States with the most expensive gas
#1. California: $4.72
#2. Hawaii: $4.70
#3. Washington: $4.27

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Mississippi: $3.00
#2. Louisiana: $3.10
#3. Texas: $3.12

This article originally appeared on Stacker, and was produced and distributed through a partnership with Stacker Studio. It has been republished pursuant to a CC by NC 4.0 License.

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