Planning to vote Nov. 4 in North Dakota but not sure what those ballot measures are about? Here’s a quick guide to the proposed changes.

If approved, Measures 1 through 5 make changes to the state’s constitution; Measures 6-8 would change state law.

Measures 1 through 4 were placed on the ballot through action by the state Legislature. Measures 5 through 8 were initiated by residents.

Measure 1: Human life

A “yes” vote would add to the state’s constitution: “The inalienable right to life of every human being at any stage of development must be recognized and protected.” Supporters say it would protect North Dakota’s laws restricting abortions.

A “no” vote means no change to the constitution. Opponents say the vague wording would not only affect abortions but potentially could affect end-of-life care and fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilizations.

Measure 2: Property transfer tax

A “yes” vote would prevent taxes on property transfers and real estate transactions in North Dakota. Supporters include those who make money from real estate sales and those against property taxes.

A “no” vote means property transfer taxes could be enacted, though none currently exist in North Dakota. Opponents say the measure is an unnecessary change to the state constitution.

Measure 3: Higher education

A “yes” vote would abolish the state Board of Higher Education and replace it with three full-time commissioners, supported by an advisory board, overseeing North Dakota’s state college and universities. Supporters say it would be a more efficient system than the volunteer board and chancellor system that is too weak.

A “no” vote would keep the current system. Opponents say the changes would concentrate too much power in the commission, threaten college accreditations and silence the voice of college students in governing higher education.

Measure 4: Initiated measures

A “yes” vote would prevent North Dakotans from using initiation measures (circulating petitions to make changes to state law or the constitution) that dictate significant state spending. Supporters say this would prevent overspending for pet projects and keep spending of tax dollars in the hands of the legislators, where it belongs.

A “no” vote would continue to allow citizens to petition for changes that dictate state spending. Opponents say the measure is a power grab by legislators that runs counter to the tradition of a strong public voice in state government.

Measure 5: Outdoor and conservation

A “yes” vote would funnel some state oil taxes into a fund to support wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and protect water resources. Supporters say the state has not done enough to protect and enhance these important parts of North Dakota life.

A “no” vote keeps funding for the outdoors in the hands of the Legislature, which created a smaller outdoors fund in 2013. Opponents say the measure siphons off too much money that could be spent on other needs, such as schools, and could take farmland out of production, hurting the ag economy.

Measure 6: Shared parenting

A “yes” vote would dictate to judges that in divorce cases, the “presumption” would be that each parent is fit and entitled to be awarded equal parental rights and responsibilities. Supporters say it gives fathers an equal chance in custody battles.

A “no” vote means there would be no such mandate in the law. Opponents say this gives judges the freedom they need in custody cases.

Measure 7: Pharmacy ownership

A “yes” vote would remove the requirement that a licensed pharmacist own at least half of a pharmacy. North Dakota is the only state with such a requirement. Supporters say removing the outdated law would lead to lower prescription drug prices and more choices for consumers.

A “no” vote would keep the ownership requirement. Opponents say allowing the likes of Wal-Mart and Walgreens to own pharmacies would be the death of small-town pharmacies, eventually creating less competition and higher prices.

Measure 8: School start date

A “yes” vote would prevent schools from starting classes before Labor Day. Supporters say this keeps students out of hot classrooms in late summer and is better for families.

A “no” vote would keep school calendar decisions at the local level. Opponents say dictating a September start would cause problems for fall sports and could push the school year to mid-June.