Bismarck, N.D., Voters Approve Smoke-free Ballot Measure
April 20, 2011
By a 60-40 percent margin, voters in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Tuesday approved a ballot measure extending the city's smoke-free law to bars, truck stops and tobacco stores. Voters rejected a separate measure that would have allowed 'smoking huts' outside bars. The new law will take effect in about a week.
The Bismarck vote underscores once again the strong public support for smoke-free laws that apply to all workplaces and public places. As demonstrated by ballot initiatives and polls across the country, the public strongly supports everyone’s right to breathe clean air, free from the toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. That support is strong across party lines and in every region of the country.
To date, 29 states and at least 600 cities have enacted smoke-free laws that apply to all restaurants and bars. About 64 percent of the U.S. population is now protected by such laws.
Texas has an immediate opportunity to join this growing list of smoke-free states and communities. Committees in both the state House and Senate have approved comprehensive smoke-free legislation, and both chambers should move quickly to schedule floor votes. A recent poll found that 70 percent of Texas voters back such a law, with strong support from Republicans, Democrats, Independents and supporters of the tea party movement.
In North Dakota, Bismarck joins a growing number of cities around the state that have gone smoke-free. Having the state capital go smoke-free sends a powerful message that it's time for a comprehensive statewide law.
Congratulations to the Smoke-Free Bismarck coalition, which includes the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association in North Dakota, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.