Elections

Election Laws and Officials

North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1 contains most of the laws applicable to elections. The County Auditor serves as the Chief Election Official for the county, while the Secretary of State is the Chief Election Official for the state. The Secretary of State’s website at vote.nd.gov offers a comprehensive election resource, where election results can be easily searched by various criteria, including statewide, county, school, city, election type and year.

Election Procedures and Timing

Since 1994, elections in cities with a council form of government have been conducted under an agreement with the county. School districts have the option to hold elections under a county agreement in even-numbered years. Primary Elections are held on the second Tuesday in June of every even-numbered year, while General Elections are conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.

Election Outcomes and Candidacy

For city positions, including Park Board and School Board positions, the candidate with the highest number of votes in the June election is certified as the winner. For County and State offices without party designation, the top two candidates from the June election advance to the General Election. For State offices with party designations, the top candidate in each party advances to the General Election. Candidates who miss the filing deadline can run as write-in candidates, with special rules applicable to state, congressional or legislative offices.

Voter Registration and Absentee Voting

North Dakota is the only state that does not require formal voter registration prior to Election Day. Any legal resident of North Dakota who is at least 18 years old and has lived in a precinct for 30 days preceding the election can vote at that precinct’s designated polling place on Election Day, provided they meet ID requirements. Special rules apply to military personnel and citizens living overseas.

Absentee voting laws allow qualified electors to obtain a ballot and vote before the election. Ballots can be obtained through the County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office and must be returned by 5 PM the day before the election if delivered in person, or postmarked the day before if mailed. A voter who casts an absentee ballot cannot vote again at the polls on Election Day.