Request an Absentee Ballot
You are never mailed a ballot without first requesting one.
In vote by mail counties, voting age residents are mailed an absentee ballot application by their county auditor. All North Dakota counties have polling locations open on Election Day. Residents may then choose whether they will:
- Fill out and return the absentee ballot application to request their absentee ballot by mail. (OR)
- Vote in person on Election Day or at an early voting location.
In counties that are not vote by mail, a voter must get an absentee ballot by requesting one from the county auditor or filling out and printing the online ballot application form.
Filling out the Absentee Ballot Application
Simply answer the questions on the ballot application, sign, and return the absentee application to the appropriate election official. If you use the absentee ballot application online form, you will need to print it out once completed. Signatures from the absentee ballot application are compared to the signature on the returned ballot envelope. Only you should sign your absentee ballot return envelope. After the county auditor verifies your ID and ballot application information to ensure you meet voter qualifications, you will be mailed a ballot.
Voter ID Notes
Absentee ballot applications require voters to provide their valid ID information that can be verified against the voter record.
- If your ID does not have your current address, include a copy of qualifying supplemental documentation verifying your new residential address
- If using an alternative ID for voting provided by a Tribal government in North Dakota, include a copy of the identification.
- If using a long term care certificate as identification, include the certificate.
Special Note - Absentee Ballot Applications for the General Elections
If you submitted an absentee ballot application for the June Primary Election, you could choose which elections you wanted to receive an absentee ballot for during the calendar year. If you indicated that you want to receive a ballot for the November General Election, you will receive one at the beginning of October.
Return Your Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day, and can be returned by mail, county drop box, or in person to the county auditor.
They will NOT be accepted at polling locations on Election Day.
Returned ballots are officially cast and the voter record is updated to show you have voted.
You can track your ballot to see if your ballot was received.
Drop Off In-Person
You may hand deliver your absentee ballot to the county auditor or appropriate election official by the close of polls on Election Day. Find address information for your county courthouse at My Voting Information Portal.
Secure Drop Boxes
Strategically placed secure absentee ballot drop boxes are provided in each county for voters who wish to deliver their absentee ballot directly to the county. Ballots must be placed in the drop box by the close of polls on Election Day. To check if your county has a drop box available visit County Drop Boxes.
Return by Mail
Absentee ballots can also be returned by U.S. mail or dropped in any U.S. Postal Service public mailbox. Ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day. Postage is required to be paid by the voter.