2024 Election Observation
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June 2024 Polling Sites Observed
June Observation
We piloted our first statewide election observation program during the June state primary election. Thirty volunteers observed polling sites across the state and then submitted reports through an online form about their observations. They received training and materials before heading out for their shift.
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Observer reports include information about polling sites, signage, wait times, poll workers, accessibility, and voter experience.
June Overview
The theme of the June election was signage. We started off the day hearing reports of campaign signs in the boulevards outside a number of polling sites, which isn't allowed. County and city election officials worked quickly to remove the signs.
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Observers also noted that a number of polling sites would've benefited from additional or more prominent signs directing voters where to go, either outside or inside the polling sites. We sent these notes to county auditors, and one of them sent us this: "I appreciated some of the recommendations the observer suggested and have already included them in our planning for the General Election."
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Overall, the voting process ran smoothly thanks to the hard work of our state and county election officials and our poll workers. Scroll to the bottom of this page read some of the stories from our observers.
November 2024 Polling Sites Observed
November Observation
We more than doubled the number of volunteer observers from the June election. We had 65 observers at 48 sites across the state for the November 5 General Election. ​We also added a few more locations for observation, including Casselton, Minot, Valley City, and Williston.
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Observers enjoyed the experience, sending us comments like: "I am so happy that I signed up to be an observer" and "This is so fun!"
November Overview
Polling place signage was improved for the November 2024 election (thank you, election officials!). The most prevalent issues was knowledge of and consistency with offering set-aside ballots. It wasn't every site, but there were sites that needed increased poll worker knowledge around offering them. We recommend further training for poll workers.
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There's also more work to be done on educating voters about set-aside ballots, especially students, military personnel, New Americans, and voters who have recently moved to North Dakota. We'll continue educating voters on voter ID and set-aside ballots.​
Overall, it was a smooth election process by election officials and the helpful, efficient poll workers serving North Dakota voters. We're grateful for all their hard work!
Media Coverage
