October 31, 2012

Voters head to the polls

By Kate Ruggles
Farmer Staff Writer

McKenzie County voters will be joining the rest of the nation on Tuesday, Nov. 6 to cast their vote for the president of the United States. While the presidential race will be the primary contest on the ballot, area voters will also be making the choice on a variety of state and local contests as well.
At the state level, North Dakota has races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the North Dakota state Senate and House of Representatives, Governor and Lt. Governor, Auditor and Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Public Service Commissioner.
Also on the ballot are no-party candidates for the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Justice of the Supreme Court.
Judicial races for the Northwest Judicial District, which encompasses McKenzie County and its surrounding areas, include Richard Hagar, William McLees and Todd Cresap for Judgeships No. 7, 8, and 9.
In McKenzie County, most positions up for election are uncontested. The candidates are McKenzie County Commissioners Ronald Anderson, Douglas Nordby and Richard Cayko; McKenzie County Auditor Linda Svihovec; McKenzie County Treasurer Cheryl Grantier; and Richard Cayko for director of the Garrison Dam Diversion Conservancy.
The Nov. 6 Election will also include statewide Measures No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Measure No. 1 will eliminate the authority of the legislative assembly to levy an annual poll tax.
Measure No. 2 seeks to require members of the executive branch of North Dakota state government to take the oath of office as prescribed in Section Four of Article XI of the North Dakota Constitution.
Measure No. 3 would amend Section 29 of Article XI of the North Dakota Constitution to forever guarantee farmers and ranchers the right to engage in modern farming practices. It states that no law shall be enacted which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices.
Measure No. 4 seeks to amend Chapter 23-12 of the North Dakota Century Code. This measure would prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices, in public places and most places of employment in the state, including certain outdoor areas. It would provide notification and enforcement responsibilities, along with penalties for violations.
Finally, Measure No. 5 would make it a Class C felony for an individual to maliciously and intentionally harm a living dog, cat or horse as well as provide the courts with certain sentencing options. The measure would not apply to production agriculture or to lawful activities of hunters and trappers, licensed veterinarians, scientific researchers, or to individuals engaged in the lawful defense of life or property.
The McKenzie County Auditor’s office wants to reiterate that anyone can vote by absentee ballot before Nov. 6 as long as the ballot is delivered or post-marked by Nov. 5.
According to County Auditor Linda Svihovec, anyone who wants to vote in McKenzie County will be able to vote as long as they are a U.S. citizen, are 18 years of age and have been a resident in McKenzie County for 30 days or more.
Svihovec also states that anyone voting in McKenzie County on Nov. 6 will be required to show a valid I.D. and proof of their residency.
Anyone unable to show proof of residency will be asked to sign an affidavit stating that they are a McKenzie County resident, and that affidavit will be sent to that person’s home state.
Anyone who is unsure about where they should vote is encouraged to call the McKenzie County Auditor’s office at 701-444-3616.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER