North Dakota Elections
2024 North Dakota Elections
March 4: NDGOP Presidential Caucus
March 30: Dem-NPL Presidential Primary
June 11: State Primary Election
November 5: General Election
If you recently moved to North Dakota - welcome! We are the only state without voter registration, so please have a valid North Dakota ID ready to vote. This is a must!
Three resources to bookmark:
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Presidential Primary
North Dakota's presidential nominating process is run by the political parties. No state laws govern the process, so the political parties set their own rules and dates for their selection process.
What political parties are there?
North Dakota has two established political parties: 1) NDGOP (Republican Party) and 2) North Dakota Dem-NPL (Democratic Party).
How do the parties run their presidential primary?
The North Dakota presidential primary/caucus process looks different every cycle. In 2024, the NDGOP will run "caucuses," which are in-person meetings of their members who voice their preference for a candidate. The North Dakota Dem-NPL will use a vote-by-mail process, starting February 19 and ending March 30.
How do I participate in a party's presidential primary/caucus?
Find out how to get involved by visiting a party's website: NDGOP caucus page or ND Dem-NPL primary page.
State Primary Election
North Dakota's State Primary Elections are held the second Tuesday in June in even-numbered years.
Why is the State Primary so important?
This is also the general election for city offices and many school districts! On your ballot, you'll see offices like mayor, city council, and park board. This election is their last stop, so it's an important vote to cast for city government.
Are local races partisan?
County, city, and school board races are nonpartisan. For county races, the top two vote-getters per seat move on to the November General Election.
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.
Explore what's on your ballot
By visiting Vote411.org, you can see what's on your ballot, where candidates stand on the issues, find your polling place, and much more!
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General Election
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.
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.
Can I vote by mail?
Yes! In North Dakota, any eligible voter can apply to vote "absentee." Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballot applications are open for 2024. If you have your North Dakota ID, you can apply online in a few minutes. Print and sign your application then submit it to your county auditor. Apply here.
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 vote in your hometown elections if your address is associated with your home address. You can apply to vote by mail (absentee) 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.
What provisions are there for voters with disabilities?
Any voter may ask for assistance in marking their ballot from a person of their choosing if that person is not the voter's employer, agent of the employer, or the officer of the voter's union. Any voter may also ask for assistance from both judges at a polling location or opt to use the ADA-compliant ExpressVote machines. Voters can use these touch-screens to select their choices, then print out a paper ballot for tabulation.
For more information, we recommend ND P&A's website and The Arc of the US' voting page.
How can I vote if I am homeless or living in temporary housing?
In North Dakota, a residence cannot be lost until another is gained, so if you are in temporary housing and haven't yet established a new residence, you can vote in the precinct your last residence was located. If a shelter is your residence, you can use the address for your ID.
Please make sure you qualify to vote and have a valid North Dakota ID with your name and address. If your ID does not reflect your current address, you can provide supplemental documentation when you vote. 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 June and November elections - from federal candidates down to local. In the few weeks before the 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. Their website includes all kinds of election information, including these two resources:
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 nonpartisan 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.