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Bismarck petitioners ask commission to approve ballot wording; warn they may seek court order

Bismarck City Commission · November 13, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

A citizens'committee asked the city to approve the wording and formatting of an initiated-measure petition under Article V of the Bismarck Home Rule Charter so signature collection can begin, saying failure to grant ministerial approval could prompt a writ of mandamus.

Carl Young, speaking during public comment, asked the commission to approve the wording and formatting of an initiated-measure petition so circulation and signature gathering may begin. He said the committee submitted its measure May 23, has revised wording in response to staff feedback, and seeks only the ministerial approval the charter prescribes.

"Article 5 guarantees Bismarck voters the right to initiate ordinances and charter amendments," Young said, urging the city not to block circulation and warning that "if…

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