North Dakota voting FAQ

In 2024, votes will be cast on issues and races that will set America’s direction for the coming years. The Paste BN Network has everything you need to know to make the best choices for yourself and your family at the ballot box.

Do I need to register to vote in North Dakota?

North Dakota is the only state without formal voter registration requirements.

Instead of registering ahead of time, voters can cast a ballot by bringing an acceptable form of ID to their polling location, similar to automatic registration. Clerks at polling locations have poll books that list the information of previous voters.

Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, North Dakota residents and reside in the precinct they're voting in for at least 30 days before an election.

Acceptable identification includes:

• North Dakota Department of Transportation driver's license – Licensing Sites
• DOT non-driver's ID cards – Provided at no cost
• Tribal government-issued identification (including those issued by 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)
• Long-term care identification certificate provided by a North Dakota facility
• A current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or a check or document issued by a federal, state, tribal or local government with your address in North Dakota

When are elections taking place this year?

• March 4: Republican presidential caucus
• March 30: Democratic primary election, mail-in only
• June 11: Primary election
• November 5: General election

What key races are on the ballot this year?

Along with the presidential election, there will be many key federal and state races including:

• One U.S. Senate seat
• One U.S House seat
• Governor
• 46 State House seats
• 23 State Senate seats
• State auditor
• State treasurer

Check to see all elections on your sample ballot here.

What do I need to take to the polls?

Since North Dakota does not require registration, anyone who wants to vote has to bring a valid form of ID, including a driver's license, a non-driver ID, a Tribal ID, or a long-term care identification certificate. The identification must include a name, date of birth and a current North Dakota address.

What do I need to know about absentee voting?

Similar to in-person voting, absentee voters must provide a form of required identification. Out-of-state voters can present military ID or passports.

Request your absentee ballot here.

What are the deadlines for absentee voting?

Absentee voters can request a ballot by mail, in person or online. The only exception is the Republican caucus as in-person voting is the only option; absentee ballots are not available.

To check the status of your ballot once submitted, check here.

For the primary election on June 11:

• May 2: Absentee and mail balloting begins
• June 10: Absentee and mail ballot submission deadline. If you are using a drop box, ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. Central Time.

For the general election on Nov. 5:

• Sept. 26: Absentee and mail balloting begins
• Nov. 4: Absentee and mail ballot submission deadline. If you are using a drop box, ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. Central Time.

What about early voting?

North Dakotans can cast an early ballot, but dates and locations are determined by county commissioners.

Where to find election results

Election results can be found on the Secretary of State's website.