A proposal to introduce voter registration in North Dakota has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and community leaders. The state currently stands as the only one in the nation without a formal registration system, relying instead on identification verification at polling stations or for mail-in ballots. Representative Mike Schatz has introduced House Bill 1287, which aims to establish a registration process. He emphasized that the bill seeks to gauge public sentiment rather than push for immediate change. One potential benefit, according to Schatz, is reducing crossover voting during primaries, ensuring party members vote within their respective parties.
The proposed legislation allows for multiple avenues of registration, including county auditor offices, driver's license applications, and public assistance programs. Voters would also have the option to register by mail, provided it is completed at least 30 days before an election. However, Secretary of State Michael Howe expressed concerns about the bill, describing it as redundant given the existing ID requirements. He argued that adding registration could complicate the voting process unnecessarily and potentially strain administrative resources. Furthermore, Nicole Donaghy from North Dakota Native Vote highlighted challenges faced by Native American communities, where inconsistent mail services and limited access to post offices could hinder voter registration efforts.
In addition to voter registration, North Dakota legislators are considering reforms to campaign finance transparency. Representative Schatz also introduced House Bill 1286, targeting so-called "dark money" in political campaigns. This bill would mandate organizations to disclose the sources of financial contributions exceeding $200. Deputy Secretary of State Sandy McMerty voiced opposition, citing constitutional concerns and the complexity of implementing such regulations. Shane Goettle, a lobbyist for Brighter Future Alliance, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill could infringe on First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, Representative Vicky Steiner questioned whether current laws provide a fair platform for political speech, emphasizing the need for transparency in campaign financing.
The legislative committee also reviewed other election-related bills, including measures to pay petition circulators based on signature counts and to require separate ballots for each party during primaries. While some proposals advanced to further consideration, others faced rejection due to concerns over cost and privacy. Despite differing opinions, the ongoing discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing the integrity and accessibility of North Dakota's electoral system, promoting fairness and transparency in democratic processes.