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Jamestown  (CSi)  The nation decides on a new president Tuesday, while state and local candidates vie for election.

In North Dakota voters are choosing the Governor, and several statewide offices along with a U.S. Senator, and U.S. House of Representative candidates.

Five measures are on the ballot in North Dakota, and Barnes County voters are deciding on whether to increase the 9-1-1 telephone fee, from $1 not to $1.50, to replace aging equipment.

Also in Barnes County voters are selecting County Commissioners in Districts one and five, in addition to Senate and House of Representative candidates in District 24.

In Stutsman County voters will choose two County Commissioners, and vote for State Senate

and House of Representative candidates in District 12.

Several Southeast Judicial District Judgeships are on the ballot.

Polls in Jamestown at the Civic Center and in Stutsman County in Pingree, Medina, and Kensal are open Tuesday from 7-a.m., to 7-p.m.

In Barnes County voters all vote at the Barnes County Courthouse in Valley City.   Polls are open from 7-a.m., to 7-p.m.

 

THE ND BALLOT MEASURES

North Dakota is one of several states with marijuana on the ballot — in this case, it’s whether residents should have legal access to medical marijuana. Measure 5 would let residents buy up to 3 ounces through a state-regulated system of dispensaries if a doctor prescribes it for pain relief.

Voters are also being asked whether they should raise the state’s cigarette tax for the first time in nearly a quarter-century, to $2.20 a pack from the current 44 cents. That’s a 400 percent increase to what is now the third-lowest tax in the nation. The money raised would be split between public health programs and a newly created trust fund for veterans.

North Dakota is also one of a handful of states considering whether crime victim’s rights should be guaranteed in law. The so-called Marsy’s Law would establish constitutional rights for crime victims such as being notified about the release of an attacker.

A fourth measure would require legislators to live in the district they represent. A fifth would let voters decide if lawmakers could tap the state’s “foundation aid stabilization fund” for education-related purposes.

GOVERNOR

Former Microsoft executive Doug Burgum is a heavy favorite against Rolla Rep. Marvin Nelson in a state that hasn’t had a Democratic governor since 1992. Fargo businessman and Libertarian Party candidate Marty Riske also is on the ballot.

U.S. SENATE

North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven is seeking a second term, facing poorly funded former Democratic state Sen. Eliot Glassheim of Grand Forks. The popular senator and former governor is considered nearly a lock against Glassheim, who entered the race at the last minute.

U.S. HOUSE

Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer is a heavy favorite for re-election over attorney and Native American activist Chase Iron Eyes. Fargo businessman Jack Seaman is running as a Libertarian candidate.

LEGISLATURE

North Dakota Republicans have a supermajority in both chambers (32-15 in the Senate, 71-23 in the House) and that’s not expected to be threatened on Tuesday.

STATE TREASURER

Republican state Treasurer Kelly Schmidt is fighting to save her job and the agency itself. Longtime Democratic Sen. Tim Mathern from Fargo is challenging Schmidt, who is seeking her fourth term. Mathern says that if he’s elected, he will work to close the office and split its duties among other agencies. Libertarian Eric Olson also is running.

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Republican Jon Godfread, a lawyer and a state chamber of commerce vice president, is running for the seat being vacated by the GOP’s Adam Hamm, who is not seeking re-election. The seat is being contested by Democrat Ruth Buffalo and Libertarian Nick Bata.

AUDITOR

North Dakota Republicans’ endorsed candidate Josh Gallion is seeking to fill the seat held by Robert Peterson, who is not seeking a sixth term. Gallion, an accounting manager for the North Dakota Public Service Commission, is running against Libertarian Roland Riemers of Grand Forks. Democrats are not challenging the seat.

POLL HOURS

The voting hours in North Dakota vary by county, but are generally from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. A voter who is standing in line at the time the polls close will be allowed to vote.