Millions of dollars have been reported by campaigns for two statewide ballot measures in North Dakota, according to recent campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State. These measures, both constitutional amendments, are Measure 1, which seeks to require 60% voter support to amend the state constitution, and Measure 2, which aims to provide free school meals to K-12 students.
Together for School Meals, the group behind Measure 2, reported nearly $1.1 million in monetary contributions this year. Amy Jacobson, executive director of Prairie Action ND and spokesperson for Measure 2, confirmed the campaign is using funds for in-person events, as well as digital and mail ads. National organizations have contributed to this effort, with The Fairness Project giving $600,000 and the National Education Association contributing $250,000 to Together for School Meals. North Dakota United, the state's teachers and public employees union, is identified as the largest in-state donor with $135,000. No organized financial opposition to Measure 2 appears to have reported contributions.
Protect the North Dakota Constitution, which opposes Measure 1, has reported more than $1.2 million in donations. An analysis of filings indicates that nearly all of this funding, specifically $1.22 million minus $100,000, originated from The Fairness Project. The National Education Association also contributed $50,000 to this group. Sargianna Wutzke, chair of Protect the North Dakota Constitution and a Bismarck resident, stated that her group welcomes support from those who value democracy and constitutional protection. She also mentioned ProtectND and Respect ND Voters as groups with similar aims, though ProtectND has raised money and Respect ND Voters has not.
StrongND Fund, a group aligned with Governor Kelly Armstrong and supporting Measure 1, has spent $978,000. Nick Hacker, treasurer for StrongND Fund and a Mandan resident who has served in the North Dakota Senate, explained that the group believes special interests should not have extensive ability to influence constitutional change. He asserted that the state constitution needs more than a simple majority vote to be amended, noting North Dakota's media market is inexpensive and the process to change the state constitution is easy. Hacker added that StrongND follows the law and its donors are not required to be disclosed, with the majority of donors being in-state or having North Dakota interests.
Supporters of Measure 2 contend that free school meals would alleviate costs for parents and help children remain fed and focused during the school day. Hannah Ledford, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, stated that her organization supports Measure 2 because politicians in Bismarck had failed three times to enact free school meals, prompting a ballot initiative. Amy Jacobson emphasized that the campaign aims to feed children and ensure they receive breakfast and lunch at school without cost to families. Opponents of Measure 2 argue that such mandated spending should not be enshrined in the state constitution.
Proponents of Measure 1 assert that the state constitution requires a higher threshold than a simple majority for changes. Nick Hacker highlighted video ads from StrongND that urge a 'yes' vote on Measure 1, drawing a comparison to California's constitution, which they describe as containing numerous spending mandates and special-interest provisions. Conversely, opponents of Measure 1, including Sargianna Wutzke, argue the measure diminishes voters' power to enact desired changes. Wutzke characterized StrongND Fund as a dark money group funding ads for what she termed a politicians' power grab without disclosing donor sources. The Fairness Project also opposes Measure 1 to protect voters' ability to use ballot initiatives.
Mark Jendrysik, a professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Dakota, observed that while both measures are part of national movements, "A million dollars in North Dakota goes a fair way," sufficient for mail and television advertisements. The Fairness Project, a D.C.-based organization, supports Measure 2 in North Dakota, listing other measures it supports in Michigan, Missouri, Montana, and Virginia, some of which involve reproductive rights or nonpartisan judicial races. Executive Director Hannah Ledford said the organization works for policies voters want when politicians do not deliver them. Nick Hacker characterized The Fairness Project as a far-left leaning organization and a pro-abortion group.
Both Measure 1 and Measure 2 require a simple majority of votes to pass this fall.
