Fargo voters to weigh major government restructuring proposal during October 6 Special Election
Fargo, North Dakota – Fargo voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, October 6, for a Special Election that could bring a major change to the way the city’s government is structured.
The election centers on a single ballot measure asking voters whether Fargo should move away from its current at large commission system and replace it with a ward based council form of government.
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Fargo residents who are eligible to vote can cast their ballots at one of three locations.
The FARGODOME at 1800 University Drive N. will be available, with voters directed to use the main entrance. Voting will also take place at Atonement Lutheran Church at 4601 University Drive S., where voters should use the west entrance at Door 8. The third location is the Fargo Civic Center at 207 4th St. N., with voters using its main entrance.
Voters to consider major change in city government
Fargo’s current City Commission consists of five members, including the mayor and four commissioners. All five are elected by voters across the city rather than from individual geographic areas. Each member, including the mayor, has an equal vote on issues that come before the commission.
The proposal on the October 6 ballot would create a different system.
If voters approve the measure, Fargo would have six council members, with each elected from one of six wards. The mayor would continue to be elected citywide.
Under the proposed structure, however, the mayor generally would not cast a vote on matters considered by the council. The mayor could vote when necessary to break a tie.
The mayor would also have the authority to veto ordinances and resolutions passed by the council. Council members could override such a veto with a two thirds vote.
For the proposed change to be approved, more than 50 percent of all votes cast on the ballot question must support it.
Fargo has made a sample ballot, the petition that led to the ballot measure and additional Special Election information available through the city’s election resources.
Voting requirements and identification
To participate in the Special Election, an individual must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen. The voter must also be a North Dakota resident and must have lived in Fargo for at least 30 days before the election.
North Dakota does not have a formal voter registration process.
People planning to vote should bring an accepted form of identification with them to their polling location. Acceptable options include a North Dakota driver’s license, a non driver identification card, an identification card issued by a tribal government or a long term care identification certificate.
There will be no early voting location available for this Special Election. Absentee voting, however, is available.
Completed absentee ballots can be returned by mail to the City of Fargo Auditor’s Office at P.O. Box 2471, Fargo, ND 58108. Voters can also place their completed absentee ballots in the secure blue drop box on the west side of Fargo City Hall at 225 4th St. N.
All absentee ballots must reach the city by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6.
Voters should also be aware that completed absentee ballots cannot be returned at any Election Day polling location.
With only one measure appearing on the ballot, Fargo voters will ultimately decide whether to retain the existing five member at large City Commission or move to a system featuring six ward representatives and a separately elected citywide mayor with different voting and veto powers.
