Bismarck Ballot Measures, Explained Simply: November 3, 2026
Each measure below is explained in plain words, from the official ballot language and the Burleigh County Auditor. For every one we say what a yes vote means and what a no vote means. This page does not tell you how to vote.
Election day is November 3, 2026. Last updated October 10, 2026. For the candidates, see what's on the ballot in Bismarck.
Statewide
Constitutional Measure 1Constitutional Measure 1 – HCR 3003
Today, more than half of the votes cast can approve a change to North Dakota’s constitution. This measure would raise that amount to 60 percent. The official measure page identifies this as HCR 3003; the state analysis says the Legislature placed it on the ballot.
- If Yes wins
- A yes vote means a proposed change to the state constitution would need at least 60 percent of the votes to pass.
- If No wins
- A no vote means the current rule stays: a constitutional change passes with more yes votes than no votes.
- How it got on the ballot: The North Dakota Legislature put it on the ballot by passing House Concurrent Resolution 3003.
Explained from North Dakota Secretary of State, Measures on Ballot, North Dakota Secretary of State, Measure 1 Analysis. Listed by North Dakota Secretary of State.
Constitutional Measure 2Constitutional Measure 2
Today, schools do not all have to give every student a free breakfast and lunch each school day. This measure would require public schools to offer one of each to enrolled students without charging them. The state would pay schools back for the meals, using money set aside by the Legislature or, if needed, money from the Legacy Earnings Fund.
- If Yes wins
- A yes vote means public schools would have to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day to enrolled students, with state reimbursement.
- If No wins
- A no vote means this change would not be added to the state constitution. This measure would not require public schools to provide these meals at no cost to students.
- How it got on the ballot: The measure was placed on the ballot through a petition circulated by a sponsoring committee.
- Cost: The official analysis estimates an increase of $124.3 million to $134.3 million in state spending for the 2027–2029 two-year period, with the amount adjusted for inflation afterward.
Explained from North Dakota Secretary of State, Measures on Ballot, North Dakota Secretary of State, Measure 2 Analysis. Listed by North Dakota Secretary of State.