North Dakota Voting Guide
By Melissa McCall, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Kristine Tungol Cabagnot, Esq. | Last reviewed March 25, 2024
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The voting process in North Dakota is notably different from most other states in the U.S. This North Dakota voting guide will help you prepare for Election Day.
Voting In North Dakota
North Dakota residents have many options to elect their preferred candidates across different types of elections. This includes general elections and state elections for different statewide government offices.
North Dakota voters also vote in primary elections to select candidates to represent political parties in general elections.
Am I Eligible to Vote in North Dakota?
To be eligible to vote in North Dakota election, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A legal resident of North Dakota
- A resident of your precinct for at least 30 days before the election
- 18 years of age by or on Election Day
However, you cannot vote in North Dakota if you:
- Are a felon currently serving a sentence in prison (voting rights are automatically restored once a felon completes their sentence)
Where Do I Vote in North Dakota?
To find your local polling place, visit the Voting In Person and Where page of the Secretary of State's website.
How to Register to Vote in North Dakota
North Dakota is unique among American states in that it is the only U.S. state with no official voter registration program. However, you do have to show a valid form of identification when you go to the polls.
How do I request an absentee ballot in North Dakota?
North Dakota allows early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. You can request an absentee ballot on the North Dakota Secretary of State website. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a ballot at your residence.
What do I need to bring to the polls in North Dakota?
Because North Dakota does not have a voter registration system, polling places rely on personal identification to verify voters' eligibility to vote. An identifying document is valid as long as it has your:
- Name
- Current North Dakota residential address
- Date of birth
A few examples of acceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to, the following:
- North Dakota driver's license
- North Dakota nondriver's identification card
- Tribal ID issued by a tribal government
- Identification certificate issued by a long-term care facility
Anyone voting via absentee ballot can use any of the above-referenced identification or any of the following:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military identification
If the North Dakota voter does not have acceptable identification to vote in person, they can vote by signing a declaration or an affidavit at the polling place.
If the North Dakota voter does not have acceptable identification to vote absentee ballot, they will need an attester. The attester can attest to the voter's North Dakota residency and voting eligibility by providing the following:
- Contact information
- Providing an acceptable form of identification
- Signing the absentee or mail-in ballot form
- Supplemental Voter ID
If your form of identification does not include your North Dakota mailing address, you can use the following as a supplement:
- Current bank statement
- Current utility bill
- Official government document
Special Accommodations for North Dakota Voters
People with disabilities can request help from a worker at the polling place. Additionally, voters with disabilities have access to an ExpressVote voting machine.
What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?
If you witness illegal activity at a polling place, you should inform a local election official at the polling place. You can also contact your County Auditor or the Dakota Secretary of State.
Get Legal Help Voting in ND
You have an unequivocal right to vote as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. If you believe your voting rights have been unjustly infringed upon, you should speak to a civil rights attorney. They are experts in voting rights laws and can give sound legal advice. Speak to an experienced civil rights attorney today.
Additional Election Information
North Dakota Secretary of State
600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 108
Bismarck, ND 58505-0500
Phone: 701-328-2900
Fax: 701-328-2992
Email: n/a
Web: https://sos.nd.gov/
North Dakota Voting Resources
Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
Where Do I Vote?
To find your local polling place, visit the Voting In Person and Where page of the Secretary of State's website.
How to Register in North Dakota
North Dakota is unique among American states in that it is the only U.S. state that does not have an official voter registration program. However, you do have to show some acceptable form of personal identification when you go to the polls.
North Dakota Voting Resources
Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
