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North Dakota

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?

An application to vote absentee (PDF format) can be found here.

In North Dakota, qualified voters are not required to provide a reason when requesting an application to vote absentee.

Where do I send the request?
Applications for absentee ballots may be delivered to the appropriate county auditor by mail, in person, or by fax. For a list of county auditors, see the MS Word file available here.


What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots are to be made available by the 40th day before Election Day and must be requested with sufficient time for mailing the application.

What is the voting procedure?
It is advisable to make a request as early as possible to ensure processing and return in time for Election Day. Absentee ballots may not be issued on Election Day.

You will receive an absentee ballot from your County Election Administrator, you vote it and then either drop it off or mail it by the required deadlines.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
Absentee ballots must be returned and postmarked by the day before Election Day:
November 3 for the General Election

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
General Election: November 4
North Dakota is the only state that does not register voters.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?
Alvin A. (Al) Jaeger (Elected, R)
Secretary of State
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 108
Bismarck, ND 58505-0500
http://www.nd.gov/sos
E-mail: sos@nd.gov
Tel: 701-328-2900
Fax: 701-328-2992
Toll-free: 1-800/352-0867
TTY: 800-366-6888

Elections Division
E-mail: soselect@nd.gov
Tel: 701-328-4146
Fax: 701-328-2992
Toll Free: 800-352-0864 ext. 8-4146
TTY: 800-366-6888

Are there requirements for first-time voters?
No.

Is permanent absentee status available?
No. You must apply at the beginning of each year; however, you may apply for absentee status for all elections in that year.

Additional information:
More information on voting absentee is available here.

Information specifically for college students (PDF format) can be found here.

Information on ID requirements is available here.