The state Senate has voted to study voter registration.
North Dakota is the only state in the union that does not require voter registration. But the law says you must show a valid ID with your residence address on it if you want to vote. Sen. Richard Marcellais (D-Belcourt) says most voters use a driver’s license – but the Department of Transportation does not verify the addresses on those licenses.
"Voting residence in North Dakota is defined as the union of act and intent," said Marcellais. "We may move to another residence, but if our intent is to return, we can continue to vote at the former precinct. We do not lose our voting precinct until we vote in a new precinct."
Marcellais says there needs to be a clearer definition of “residence” for voting purposes.
It passed the Senate 28 to 19. It had earlier passed the House unanimously.
The Senate has rejected a change in North Dakota’s primary election ballots. The bill would have added the word “endorsed” to any candidate who received a party endorsement. That’s not the current practice.
"Voters can and should be trusted to vote for the candidate they believe best represents them and their views," said Sen. Nichole Poolman (R-Bismarck). "A primary ballot is to serve as the voice of the voterm bot to influence the voter."
The Senate vote was 42 to 5 against the change. The House had earlier passed it 55 to 36.
