Two initiatives expected for N.D. fall ballot

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Supporters of repealing North Dakota's pharmacy ownership laws turned in their initiative petitions on Wednesday — with only 61 names to spare.

The group is backed by retailers like Walmart and Walgreens that want to run their own pharmacies.

North Dakota's law says pharmacists must have majority ownership of most pharmacies that operate in the state. The law's opponents say that prevents chain stores from offering national discount programs in North Dakota.

Spokeswoman Tammy Ibach (AY’bahk) says the initiative petitions have 12,905 signatures. They need at least 12,844 names to qualify for the fall ballot.

Ibach says the petitions have been checked and she's confident they have enough names. She says some names were crossed out beforehand because the signatures were unreadable.

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