North Dakota’s governor has enacted legislation to abolish the distinctive voting system previously utilized by the state’s largest city. The bill, signed by Republican Governor Kelly Armstrong, effectively prohibits both ranked-choice and approval voting. While ranked-choice voting is practiced in certain locations such as Alaska, Maine, and various cities, it has not been implemented in North Dakota. Under the approval voting system, voters can select multiple candidates, with the top vote-getters emerging victorious. Fargo adopted this system through a ballot initiative in 2018, employing it for the election of the mayor and four city commissioners.
The push for this legislative change followed elections in which candidates secured commission seats with minimal portions of the overall vote due to crowded races. Prior to approval voting in 2018, winning candidates for the commission received only 18% and 16.5% of the vote, respectively. However, in the 2024 commission race, the two successful candidates enjoyed support from 46% and 44.5% of voters. Approval voting was utilized in three city elections, garnering support from figures like Mayor Tim Mahoney, who claimed it was effective for Fargo. Conversely, Republican Representative Ben Koppelman of West Fargo, who sponsored the bill, criticized the system for favoring candidates who avoid taking strong positions.
Supporting the bill, Republican Secretary of State Michael Howe emphasized the necessity for uniform elections across North Dakota. The governor’s statement highlighted the need for a consistent, efficient, and understandable voting experience to maintain trust in the state’s election system. In 2023, then-Governor Doug Burgum vetoed a similar bill, deeming it an overreach by the state and an infringement on local autonomy. Although the House succeeded in overriding the veto, the Senate sustained it.
Fargo’s mayor acknowledged the legislative decision, noting that city officials had anticipated this outcome due to the Legislature’s robust support. While acknowledging the local preference for approval voting, the mayor expressed acceptance of the state’s decision. Fargo is scheduled to hold its next election for mayor and two City Commission seats in June 2026.
The Bottom Line
The repeal of Fargo’s unique voting system may lead to significant changes in how local elections are conducted and could influence the type of candidates who succeed. With the prohibition of approval voting, elections might revert to a system where candidates could win with less substantial majority support, potentially altering the political landscape in Fargo.
This legislative change underscores the ongoing debate between state control and local autonomy in election processes. It reflects a push for uniformity across North Dakota, which may streamline electoral procedures but could also diminish the ability of local communities to tailor voting systems to their specific needs. As the next election approaches, Fargo residents may need to adapt to a more traditional voting method, impacting voter engagement and satisfaction with electoral processes.
