Bismarck N.D. – The North Dakota Ethics Commission has adopted a policy to facilitate a public comment period during its regular meetings, creating a new opportunity for North Dakotans to share input on issues related to government ethics, transparency, elections, corruption, and lobbying.
Beginning with the Commission’s March 27, 2026 meeting, a public comment agenda item will be included at the beginning of each regular meeting. The Commission adopted the policy to ensure members of the public have a meaningful opportunity to address the Commission while maintaining an orderly and efficient meeting.
“The Commission values input and public participation in its work,” said Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, Chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission. “Providing a structured public comment period helps ensure North Dakotans have the opportunity to share their perspectives and ideas on issues related to ethics and transparency in state government.”
Under the policy, individuals who wish to speak during the public comment period must submit a public comment request form before the meeting is called to order. This form is available on the Commission’s website and requires the individual’s name, address, and the topic they wish to address, which must relate to the Commission’s areas of work or to an agenda item from the current or previous meeting.
Each speaker will generally be allotted up to ten minutes for comments, including any questions from commissioners. The public comment period will be limited to a total of one hour during each meeting.
Individuals may also submit written comments through the Commission’s website at www.ethicscommission.nd.gov or by emailing ethicscommission@nd.gov. Written comments received at least 24 hours before a regular meeting will be distributed to commissioners in advance.
Public comments must be directed to the Commission as a whole and must remain respectful and relevant to the Commission’s work. Comments may not include defamatory or unlawful statements, confidential information, or information related to complaints submitted to the Commission.
The Commission’s regular meetings may be held either in person with a virtual option or fully virtually. Members of the public may participate in the comment period either in person or virtually depending on the meeting format.
The full Public Comment Policy is available on the Commission’s website.