North Dakota voters have seen a wide range of topics appearing in ballot measures, like allowing baseball and movie theaters to operate on Sundays, or moving the state capital from Bismarck to Jamestown, and even reducing judges’ salaries.
On this date in 1972, voters had some heavy measures to consider in a special election. They were asked to adopt or reject a new, shorter state constitution, which would replace the one from 1889. In 1970, voters had approved a constitutional convention. That convention met earlier in 1972 to develop the proposal being voted up. Four alternate propositions of the constitution were also the ballot, but those were only relevant if the new constitution was adopted. Those measures offered a one- or two-house legislature; set new signature thresholds for ballot initiatives and referendums; granted full adult status for 18- to 20-year-olds; and asked whether to prohibit lotteries.
Governor Bill Guy scheduled the special election for a Friday to help maximize turnout. Guy supported the new constitution and he toured college campuses to urge young people to vote.
A Bismarck Tribune story called the vote on the new constitution “an opportunity which normally comes only once in a lifetime.” Supporters said the constitution would be modernized and more effective. It reduced the number of statewide elected officials from 14 to seven. It was also about one-third the length of the original. Critics said the new constitution gave too much power to the governor and the Legislature.
About 172,000 people voted, or about 44% of those eligible. The measure failed, with more than 62% of voters saying not to the new constitution. Two of the provisional measures were approved, but didn’t carry because the constitution itself was rejected.
That’s not to say North Dakota’s constitution has stayed the same since 1889. Over the years, voters have approved a number of less dramatic changes.
Dakota Datebook by Jack Dura
Sources:
https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/resource/library/measuresbeforethevoters.pdf
https://www.history.nd.gov/archives/stateagencies/conscon1971.html
https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/nd-constitution
https://www.legis.nd.gov/files/resource/committee-memorandum/19.9086.01000.pdf
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, Feb. 18. Page 1
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, March 24. Page 4
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, April 25. Page 1
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, April 26. Page 1
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, April 27. Page 1
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, April 28. Page 1
The Bismarck Tribune. 1972, April 29. Page 1
North Dakota Blue Book, 2019-21.
