Early &
Mail-in Voting
in North Dakota

Warning: 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.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote By Mail Deadlines

N/A
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
N/A
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Absentee Voting

Early voting dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

You can vote in-person absentee in your state.

Early voting locations can be found here.

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.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

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.

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

Use The Right Form of ID

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

By Mail

You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Drop box
Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Your state 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.

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.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in North Dakota

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for North Dakota First Time Voter Info