By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The state House has rejected a proposal to allow a candidate for local office to have a party designation on the ballot.

That designation would be optional.

West Fargo Republican Representative Austen Schauer said the purpose of the measure is transparency and voter education.

But Fargo Democratic Representative Mary Schneider said the House Government and Veteran Affairs Committee heard a lot of testimony against it from local elected officials.

The bill failed on a 55 to 36 vote.