North Dakota General Election
Last update: Oct 15, 2026 01:03 a.m. EDT
Last update: Oct 14, 2026 01:23 a.m. EDT
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Registration Summary
North Dakota does not register voters. If you are an eligible resident of North Dakota, you're already set to vote!
Voting Summary
North Dakota allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. North Dakota offers early voting.
19 days to Election Day!
- You can vote early or absentee in person in this election, depending on where you live. Dates and times may vary by location.
- Vote by mail: download and return your absentee/mail ballot request form to your County Auditor. We recommend you request your absentee/mail ballot at least two weeks before the Nov 2 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election.
- You may need to show an ID when you vote in person. See the “Do I need to bring an ID?” section below to learn more.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on North Dakota’s website.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your County Auditor to learn about opportunities in your area.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on North Dakota's site.
Can I vote in-person before Election Day?
- Yes, in-person voting before Election Day is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee or early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded before Election Day, as well.
- Learn more about early and in-person absentee voting in North Dakota.
- Early and in-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check North Dakota’s site to find where to vote in person before Election Day.
What do I need to bring?
You must provide a valid form of identification when you vote in North Dakota. Your identification must include your name, current residential street address, and date of birth.
Acceptable forms include:
- North Dakota driver's license
- North Dakota non-driver's ID card
- tribal-government-issued ID card
- long-term care certificate (provided by ND facility)
If your identification does not include a North Dakota residential address or date of birth, or the North Dakota residential address is not current, you may supplement the identification with:
- current utility bill
- current bank statement
- check or a document issued by a federal, state, local, or tribal government (including those issued by the BIA for a tribe located in North Dakota, any other tribal agency or entity, or any other document that sets forth the tribal member’s name, date of birth, and current North Dakota residential address)
- paycheck
- printed document issued by a university or college and a student ID
Voters without ID: If you're not able to show a valid form of identification you may mark a ballot that will be securely set aside. When you provide valid identification to the proper election official prior to the meeting of the canvassing board, the set aside ballot will be presented to the canvassing board for proper inclusion in the tally.
Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to learn more.
Can I register to vote online?
North Dakota does not offer online voter registration because voters are not required to register to vote in North Dakota.
Can I vote early?
Yes, North Dakota offers in-person voting before Election Day.
- You can request an absentee ballot in person, and some counties offer early voting.
- Contact your County Auditor for more information about in-person voting options before Election Day.
When can I vote in person before Election Day?
- Contact your County Auditor for more information about when to vote in person before Election Day.
Where can I vote in person before Election Day?
- Contact your County Auditor for more information about where to vote in person before Election Day.
What do I need to bring?
You must provide a valid form of identification when you vote in North Dakota. Your identification must include your name, current residential street address, and date of birth.
Acceptable forms include:
- North Dakota driver's license
- North Dakota non-driver's ID card
- tribal-government-issued ID card
- long-term care certificate (provided by ND facility)
If your identification does not include a North Dakota residential address or date of birth, or the North Dakota residential address is not current, you may supplement the identification with:
- current utility bill
- current bank statement
- check or a document issued by a federal, state, local, or tribal government (including those issued by the BIA for a tribe located in North Dakota, any other tribal agency or entity, or any other document that sets forth the tribal member’s name, date of birth, and current North Dakota residential address)
- paycheck
- printed document issued by a university or college and a student ID
Voters without ID: If you're not able to show a valid form of identification you may mark a ballot that will be securely set aside. When you provide valid identification to the proper election official prior to the meeting of the canvassing board, the set aside ballot will be presented to the canvassing board for proper inclusion in the tally.
Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to learn more.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
North Dakota does not offer by-mail voter registration because voters are not required to register to vote in North Dakota.
How do I vote by mail?
In North Dakota, any qualified voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Download your absentee/mail ballot form.
Some North Dakota counties send absentee/mail ballot applications to all qualified voters. Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to see if your county sends applications automatically. We recommend you request your absentee/mail ballot at least two weeks before the Nov 2 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election. If you vote by mail, your completed ballot must be received by your County Auditor by close of polls on Election Day.
Some North Dakota counties send absentee/mail ballot applications to all qualified voters. Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to see if your county sends applications automatically. We recommend you request your absentee/mail ballot at least two weeks before the Nov 2 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election. If you vote by mail, your completed ballot must be received by your County Auditor by close of polls on Election Day.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your County Auditor.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter record is tied to your exact address.
- If you’ve moved, you may need to update your identification with your new address.
- If your ID does not contain your current residential address, you can provide supplemental documentation for identification.
- Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website for more information.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on North Dakota’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
North Dakota does not offer registration on Election Day because voters are not required to register to vote in North Dakota.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
North Dakota does not offer in-person voter registration because voters are not required to register to vote in North Dakota.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Nov 2
- Return ballot by mail (received by) : Nov 3 close of polls
- Return ballot in person : Nov 3 close of polls
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You must provide a valid form of identification when you vote in North Dakota. Your identification must include your name, current residential street address, and date of birth.
Acceptable forms include:
- North Dakota driver's license
- North Dakota non-driver's ID card
- tribal-government-issued ID card
- long-term care certificate (provided by ND facility)
If your identification does not include a North Dakota residential address or date of birth, or the North Dakota residential address is not current, you may supplement the identification with:
- current utility bill
- current bank statement
- check or a document issued by a federal, state, local, or tribal government (including those issued by the BIA for a tribe located in North Dakota, any other tribal agency or entity, or any other document that sets forth the tribal member’s name, date of birth, and current North Dakota residential address)
- paycheck
- printed document issued by a university or college and a student ID
Voters without ID: If you're not able to show a valid form of identification you may mark a ballot that will be securely set aside. When you provide valid identification to the proper election official prior to the meeting of the canvassing board, the set aside ballot will be presented to the canvassing board for proper inclusion in the tally.
Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to learn more.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View official ballot information on the North Dakota Secretary of State website, if available.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you make your plan to vote. They can help you start the registration process, learn how to vote by mail, send you election reminders, and more.
Who can register to vote?
Voters are not required to register to vote in North Dakota.
In order to vote in North Dakota, you must be:
In order to vote in North Dakota, you must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- Eighteen years or older on the day of election
- A resident of North Dakota
- A resident in the precinct at least thirty days immediately preceding any election
- Able to provide a North Dakota driver’s license, non-driver ID, or tribal ID that includes your current residential address and date of birth (If your valid form of identification does not include all the information required in subsection 2 of NDCC §16.1-01-04.1, or the information is not current, your ID must be supplemented by presenting any of the documents as outlined in subsection 3 of NDCC § 16.1-01-04.1. Visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website to learn more.)
Watch this video about who can vote from the North Dakota Secretary of State.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your County Auditor for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your County Auditor may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your County Auditor.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your County Auditor.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your County Auditor first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your County Auditor.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in North Dakota. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
Check voter record
North Dakota does not register voters. If you are an eligible resident of North Dakota, you're already set to vote! However, you can check your voter record.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In North Dakota, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about voting by mail, voting in person, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in North Dakota. They can help you with questions about voting, state elections, and federal elections in your state. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
Which election office should I contact?
- In North Dakota, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about voting by mail, voting in person, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in North Dakota. They can help you with questions about voting, state elections, and federal elections in your state. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.