Voting in North Dakota

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in North Dakota.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

How Vote By Mail Works in North Dakota

Voting by mail is a two step process in North Dakota.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. There is no deadline but we recommend you apply by November 1st.

• You need to provide your in-state ID number or proof of residence with your application.

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

• Return in person to your local election office or a secure ballot drop box by November 7th, the day before Election Day.
• Or stamp and mail your ballot - ballots must be postmarked by November 7th to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on November 7th. We recommend returning ASAP.

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Witness or Notary Requirement

The absentee ballot return envelope must be signed by 1 notary or 2 witnesses. 

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot.

After you complete your ballot, sign the affidavit on the outside of the return envelope.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

ID Requirements to Vote By Mail

First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.

ID is required with completed mail-in ballot.

If you are voting in person you must have a valid ID. Info here on what qualifies.

When you submit an application to vote by mail, you must include your ID number or proof of residence.

If a you are applying to vote by mail, you must provide

• The ID number from one of the valid forms of ID
  If the document does not include the voter’s legal name, current address in ND, and date of birth, the individual can supplement any missing or outdated voter information with: a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document/check issued by a federal, state, or local government

OR

• For a uniformed service member/immediate family member, or a North Dakota resident temporarily living away from their North Dakota residence: a current military ID, or Passport
• If the voter lives in a long-term care facility: a long-term care certificate is prescribed by the secretary of state and issued by a long-term care facility in ND.
• A voter with a disability that prevents them from traveling must submit the signature of another qualified North Dakota elector who certifies the applicant is a qualified elector in that precinct

You do not need to submit an ID with their ballot, but the signature on the ballot must match the signature on your voter registration form.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

Yes. Your ID will be scanned. If a ballot has not been submitted in your name, you will be able to vote.

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

North Dakota does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.

Do Voters Need ID?

Voter ID in North Dakota

Presidential Primaries

Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open

North Dakota does not have voter registration. To participate in the Republican caucus you must be affiliated with the party. The Democratic caucus does not require affiliation. Visit the North Dakota Democratic Party and Republican Party websites for party-specific information on caucus locations and procedures. Note that caucus will NOT be held at traditional polling locations.

Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

In-Person Absentee Dates

You can vote in-person absentee in North Dakota

Early voting locations can be found here.

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In North Dakota, you cannot preregister to vote.

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can not vote in the North Dakota primaries if you are 17 by the next election.