North Dakota Elections
North Dakota's Next Elections
Primary Election: June 11th, 2024
General Election: November 5th, 2024
If you recently moved to North Dakota - welcome! We are the only state without voter registration, so please be sure to have a valid North Dakota ID ready to vote. This is a must!
Primary Elections
North Dakota's Primary Elections are held the second Tuesday in June in even-numbered years.
Why is the Primary so important?
This is the general election for local elections! You'll see mayoral candidates, city council or commission, park board, school board, and more on your ballot. This election is their last stop, so it's an important vote to cast for city government. Some partisan statewide and state legislative offices are also decided in the Primary, because a number run unopposed in the General Election.
Are local races partisan?
County and local races are nonpartisan. The top two vote-getters per seat in county races move on to the General Election in the fall.
How do I vote in a political party's Primary?
North Dakota does not have voter registration, so when you get your ballot in June, you will see each political party's candidates listed in separate columns. Only vote in one column (i.e. one party's Primary) or your vote will not count in a party's Primary.
General Elections
North Dakota's General Elections are held the first Tuesday in November in even-numbered years. The General includes candidates running in federal, statewide, state legislative, judicial, and county races.
When do I vote for my state legislators?
There are 47 state legislative districts in North Dakota, and half are up for election every two years. State legislators from even-numbered districts are elected in presidential election years, and legislators from odd-numbered districts are elected during midterm election years.
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Voting FAQs
Do I need to register to vote?
Nope! North Dakota is the only state without voter registration, but you must have a valid North Dakota ID with your current name and address to cast a ballot. Most people use a North Dakota driver's license.
Who is qualified to vote in North Dakota?
To vote in North Dakota, you need to be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, a North Dakota resident, and a resident in the precinct at least 30 days before an election.
What should a naturalized citizen know to vote?
Besides the voter qualifications above, a naturalized US citizen must get an updated North Dakota ID before voting in an election if they had a North Dakota ID before they were naturalized. This new requirement went into effect August 1, 2023.
Where do I vote if I am a college student living away from home?
If you live away from home as a college student, you can still vote in your hometown elections if your address is still associated with your home address. You can vote by absentee ballot or travel home to vote in-person. To vote in your college town within the state, you need to update your ID to reflect your address at school. Learn more from the state's resource.
Can inmates or those with a felony conviction vote in North Dakota?
If you are incarcerated with a misdemeanor, you can vote. If you are incarcerated with a felony, you cannot vote, but as soon as you are out on parole, probation, or have fully completed your sentence, you can vote.
You can learn more about voting in North Dakota at VOTE411.org/North-Dakota
Election Resources
Our nonpartisan voter guide on VOTE411.org covers all the candidates in North Dakota in the Primary and General Elections - from federal candidates down to local. In the few weeks prior to an election, simply enter your address on VOTE411 to compare candidates who will be on your ballot and learn more about ballot measures.
North Dakota Secretary of State
The ND Secretary of State serves as the chief election official for the state. Visit their website for information on ballot measures, candidates, election results, political parties and committees, campaign finance disclosure, absentee ballots, and more.
North Dakota Voter Bill of Rights
These are eight voter rights you can expect as you cast your ballot, as provided by the North Dakota Secretary of State's elections office.
If you have a question or an issue when voting, please call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683. They have trained volunteers and lawyers to help you through the election process and document any issues.
Check your city and county government websites for information about your local elections.