BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A federal judge said Monday he will not waive North Dakota’s ban on electronic signature gathering for a group attempting to get a wide-ranging measure on the November ballot.
North Dakota Voters First asked to allow online signature gathering because of the coronavirus pandemic. The group argued that the COVID-19 outbreak made it “impossible to comply” with the laws.
In denying a motion for a preliminary injunction, U.S. District Judge Peter Welte said the group was not likely to succeed on a First Amendment rights violation because petitioners have up to a year to collect signatures. The judge added that the state did not issue any stay-at-home orders and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on May 1 “revoked nearly all the previously imposed pandemic-related restrictions.”
North Dakota Voters First faces a July 6 deadline to submit at least 26,904 signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
The group’s constitutional amendment would transfer the responsibility of drawing political districts from the Legislature to the voter-approved state Ethics Commission. It would also create a paper record for every vote cast in an election, create open primaries and instant runoff elections, as well as extend the time to cast a ballot for military and overseas voters.
Organizers for the group said they would move forward with gathering signatures in person.
“While we are disappointed in the ruling, our campaign will do all it can to safely and effectively collect the required signatures to qualify for placement on the November ballot,” said Carol Sawicki, North Dakota Voters First spokeswoman. “We will operate under strict social distancing and safety protocols to protect the health of both community members and staff as we work to gather the signatures needed”.
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