From the 660KEYZ News Radio Election Center: Voters Encouraged to Get Familiar with 2020 Ballot Measures

Williston, ND (KEYZ) As we've been reporting, voting in the June 9, 2020 primary in North Dakota will look (and probably feel) very different as the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes to the election landscape. Perhaps now more than ever, it's important to get familiar with who is on the ballot in your area and what are the issues to be decided as this go-round voting is being conducted via a mail-in process ONLY.

In Williams County, there are several local ballot measures for voters to consider. One is a request from the Board of Commissioners for the Williston Area Vector Control District #1 for City of Williston residents to approve renewing the $4.00 monthly fee used to support mosquito control efforts. City of Williston voters are provided the opportunity to reject or support the continuance of the fee every 4 years.

The Williston Area Vector Control District is responsible for monitoring mosquito-borne diseases and managing the nuisance mosquito population across Williams County. The monthly fee aids in funding Vector Control operations and mosquito-control measures such as ground fogging and
aerial applications, which take place during the summer months.

City residents currently pay the fee through their City water bill, and County residents receive an annual bill for $48.

News Radio spoke with Vector Control Director Levi Zahn who stressed just how crucial this funding is to maintaining the quality of mosquito control operations to which the residents of Williston have become accustomed.

"A 'yes' vote will ensure that Williston Vector Control can continue to provide protection against both the nuisance mosquitoes that impact our citizens' enjoyment of our great city but also against mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus and other infectious diseases."

Visit vote.nd.gov or williamsnd.com for more information on the other ballot measures going before voters on June 9, and if you have yet to receive your mail-in ballot, be sure to contact your county auditor well ahead of the June 8th mail-in deadline.