North Dakota spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections.

But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with many people already looking ahead to the presidential race this fall.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have essentially locked up their nominations in the race for the White House.

But Janelle Moos, associate state director for advocacy with AARP North Dakota, said voters still should participate in the state’s June 11 primary.

There are key statewide races, including deciding nominees for North Dakota’s congressional seat and the governor’s office.

“There’s a lot of new legislative races, some contested,” said Moos, “but also, a lot of new candidates running for local office.”

That includes park board seats, mayoral elections and races for city council seats around the state.

AARP North Dakota has more voting information on its website. It’s also partnering with Prairie Public Broadcasting on a primary debate among GOP candidates for governor April 23 at 7 pm.

The League of Women Voters of Red River Valley is hosting local candidate forums in the Fargo area. Chapter President Randi Dombek said these are good opportunities to become a more informed voter.

“I think the best way is getting the info as much as you can right actually from the candidate,” said Dombek, “and not always just trusting what you might see on social media, or what you might hear your neighbor say.”

Both organizations say participating in local elections helps people have a bigger say in their calls for safer roads, affordable housing and other quality of life issues.

AARP says that’s especially for residents who want to stay in their homes as they age.