Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.

"Hey Scott, How should I vote on Measure 2?" a listener recently asked. "I'm so confused about Measure 4 ... I hear so many conflicting arguments, can you help explain it to me?" a reader wrote in response to a column.

Ever since I started covering North Dakota politics, way back in 1986, I get these types of questions every election cycle. I always appreciate voters who take the time to dig beyond the headlines and inform their vote. And I'm happy to share what I have learned as I have listened to the opponents and proponents and done research on the candidates and issues on the ballot.

We have five measures to vote on this cycle. I'm voting "yes" on 1, 2 and 3 and "no" 4 and 5. Here is why:

Measure 1 relates to terminology describing public institutions. This is not controversial and simply cleans up language. Easy yes.

Measure 2 relates to the process for approving initiated constitutional amendments, the requirement of a single subject for each petition and measure, the individuals able to circulate a petition, and the requirement that all ballot measures must be voted on at the primary and general election. Here is the big question on Measure 2: Should it be easy or difficult to amend our North Dakota Constitution? Easy answer. It should not be easy. I believe it is too easy currently and that is often exploited by out-of-state groups. This was a common-sense proposal put forward by our duly elected Legislature, and it deserves a "yes" vote.

Measure 3 relates to spending and transfers from the Legacy Fund. In 2010, North Dakota voters approved the Legacy Fund, which created a perpetual source of state revenue from the finite natural resources of oil and natural gas. Measure 3 protects these funds by lowering the amount the Legislature can take from the Legacy Fund principal (e.g., in case of emergencies) from 15% to 5%. The earnings on these funds are already invested in projects approved by the Legislature, so protecting the principal is smart fiscal policy and deserves a "yes" vote.

Measure 4 would amend the North Dakota Constitution related to prohibiting all political subdivisions from levying any tax on real property. I agree with the huge amount of North Dakota business, agriculture, energy, education, law enforcement, city and county voices that are advocating against this measure. It has a $3.15 billion per biennium price tag, and there is no plan on how those dollars would be replaced. The state would likely cut funds to local governments, and then they would need to create new taxes and fees for homeowners. This is a feel-good measure with way too many pitfalls. And it commits over $3 billion of state funds to local government forever. If you disregard the important details, it would be an easy "yes." But do some digging and this is an easy "no" vote.

Measure 5 seeks to legalize marijuana for recreational use. They keep trying. We keep saying no. "No" is the right answer. Nothing good would come from this measure passing.