Griggs County citizen proposes at-large voting for commissioner races; county to advise on ballot timing

During public comment at the Feb. 9 meeting, Devon Larson identified himself as a Griggs County citizen and outlined a proposal to change how voters cast ballots for county commissioners. Under Larson’s idea, candidates would continue to run from district seats, but all county voters would be allowed to vote on every commissioner contest rather than only the voters in each district.

Larson said he could collect signatures to place the question on a ballot or ask the commission to place it on the ballot without signatures. Commissioners and staff discussed statutory filing deadlines for petitions and suggested the November general election would attract higher turnout than a June primary. The county’s state's attorney said he could review draft language but noted that Devon would need to either gather signatures or work with staff to draft an initiative; the county cannot unilaterally bypass statutory requirements.

Larson said he preferred to have the proposal on the June ballot if possible and acknowledged it would require time and signatures if the commission did not place it there. Commissioners encouraged him to collaborate with county staff and indicated that if a properly drafted petition were submitted in time, the county could place it on the ballot per statute.

Next steps: Larson will decide whether to collect signatures or work with staff to draft the language for the petition; county staff indicated they will advise on signature thresholds and verification deadlines.