Submitted Photo Dozens of voting jurisdictions across the U.S. have begun to use different voting options, such as ranked choice voting, over the past few years. The movement is seen as a way to boost civic engagement as more people “tune out” political campaigns. Photo from Adobe Stock.

Final action is expected soon on a plan that would prevent North Dakota cities and counties from using alternative voting methods for local elections.

Both chambers of the Legislature have approved a bill that focuses on two options – ranked-choice voting and approval voting.

In recent election cycles, Fargo has used approval voting when local candidates appear on the ballot. It became the first U.S. city to do so, after residents showed support for the idea.

Bismarck resident Andrew Alexis Varvel testified against banning these options.

“The rest of the state does not need to follow everything that Fargo does,” said Varvel, “but we do need to have a certain amount of respect for what people at the local level decide.”

Other bill opponents also said they don’t want the state micromanaging local elections.

The Fargo-endorsed option, approval voting, allows voters to choose more than one candidate. Backers say it reduces polarization by prompting candidates to appeal to more people.

But some lawmakers believe these approaches are ineffective and want the whole state to use the same voting method.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong hasn’t indicated whether he’ll sign the bill when it reaches his desk.

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe supports the proposed ban on alternative voting methods.

In his testimony, he noted Fargo’s use of approval voting hasn’t created any issues, but he said he worries other cities will follow suit.

“Multiple election methods implemented across the state,” said Howe, “would have an impact on the administration of a statewide election.”

But a Fargo city commissioner argues that across North Dakota, there are already many variations – including at-large candidates.

A similar proposed ban was vetoed by former Gov. Doug Burgum two years ago.