Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:09 a.m. UTC
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Summary
North Dakota allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. North Dakota offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
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 an individual’s 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, the identification must be supplemented by presenting any of the documents as outlined in subsection 3 of NDCC § 16.1-01-04.1.)
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 early?
- Yes, North Dakota does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the 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. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show ID to 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
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.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on North Dakota’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, North Dakota does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the 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. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show ID to 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
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.
How do I vote by mail?
In North Dakota, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
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 registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
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.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the North Dakota Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and 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 local election office 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 local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- 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 local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- 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.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.