Elections

Who Runs Elections 

North Dakota’s conducts elections over 650 jurisdictions. Important election related dates can be found in the North Dakota Election Calendar.

• North Dakota Secretary of State – Michael Howe - Serves as the state’s chief election official and provides oversight for North Dakota election structure and laws. 

• County Auditors - Administrators of the Primary and General Elections. 

• Local Jurisdictions - City, Schools, Etc. - May conduct their election with the Primary or General election or may run the election themselves.

Types of Elections

North Dakota holds two types of statewide elections in election years. Other jurisdictions (cities, schools, etc.) also hold elections. These elections may happen during statewide elections or at a special date – as a special election – chosen by the jurisdiction.

Primary Election

The Primary Election is held each even year in June and decides which: 

• Federal, legislative, and statewide nominees will move to the General Election 
• Judges and county nominees will move to the General Election 
• City and school candidates are elected and take office shortly after 
• Measures are approved, if any are appearing on the Primary Election ballot 

General Election

The General Election is held each even year in November and decides which: 

• Federal, legislative, and statewide candidates are elected 
• Judges and county candidates are elected 
• Measures are approved, if any are appearing on the General Election ballot 

Special Election

A statewide special election is an election that takes place outside of the regular election cycle and is a rare occurrence. It is often held to fill a vacancy in an elected office or to allow the public to vote on a specific issue.