Understanding your ballot: Why you need to attend The Pulse

As election day approaches, North Dakota and Minnesota voters are on the brink of decisions that will directly impact their futures. From eliminating property taxes to legalizing marijuana, expanding the FARGODOME and improving public safety, each measure presents opportunities for significant change. The stakes are high, and with the complexity of each issue, it's more important than ever to understand what's on your ballot. This is where The Pulse of the Election comes in-an event designed to offer clear, balanced insights into these pressing topics.

Why understanding your ballot matters

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner or simply a resident of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region, the outcome of this year's election will affect you. Let's break down some of the key ballot measures and their potential implications:

ND Property Tax Measure
Measure 4 proposes changes to North Dakota's Constitution to eliminate property taxes and shift funding responsibility to the state legislature. Communities would receive replacement funding at their 2024 levels. This measure would cause a $3.15 billion budget deficit in The State's 2025-27 biennial budget.

ND Marijuana Measure
Measure 5 proposes changes to North Dakota's State Statute to allow adults 21 and older to cultivate, process and distribute various forms of cannabis. It would allow no more than 18 licensed cannabis stores and seven growers in the state. Legalization is estimated to raise $10.2 Million in revenue and incur $8.3 Million in expenses during the 2025-27 biennium, with possible unquantified costs associated with behavioral health and social impacts.

Fargo Dome Sales Tax
Measure 1 proposes to increase the City of Fargo's sales tax by one-quarter of a cent for 20 years. Revenues raised from this additional tax will be utilized for renovations to the FARGODOME, and with ongoing capital improvements, maintenance and operations. This includes greater accessibility, increasing patron amenities and creating operational efficiencies.

Convention Center
Measure 2 proposes to increase the City of Fargo's lodging tax by 3% for 25 years. Revenues generated from this additional tax will be utilized for the construction, maintenance and operations of a Convention Center in the City of Fargo. The City aims to create a public-private partnership for the development of the convention center.

Fargo Public Safety
Measure 3 proposes to increase the City of Fargo's sales tax by one-quarter of a cent for 20 years. Revenues raised from this additional tax will be utilized exclusively to support the Fargo fire and police operations, equipment and buildings.

Moorhead Schools
Moorhead School District Question proposes a $43 Million capital projects levy to support curriculum enhancements, facility improvements, technology investments and transportation updates.

Dilworth Community Center
Dilworth City Question proposes to increase the sales tax by one-quarter of a cent for 20 years. Revenues raised from this additional tax will be utilized for the construction of a community and recreational center.

Don't sit on the sidelines.

With so much at stake, The Pulse of the Election offers an opportunity to hear from experts on both sides of these issues. You'll participate in real-time "Pulse Checks" to gauge how your views compare to others in the community, before and after the discussions. This event is designed to help you cut through the noise and understand what these measures really mean for you, your family and your business.

Ensure you're prepared to cast an informed vote. Join us at The Pulse of the Election and take an active role in shaping the future of our region. Stay informed, amplify your voice and help define the direction of our community. Every vote counts, every opinion shapes our path and every decision makes a difference.

More information on The Pulse of the Electionon Oct. 8.

See our list of proponents, opponents and educators for this event.