North Dakota 2026 general election voter guide

North Dakota’s 2026 general election will allow voters to choose among the candidates and ballot questions printed on their ballots. Before voting, residents should confirm the election calendar, learn which voter requirements apply to them and review the ballot they will receive.

Start with the election calendar

Write down the official date of the general election and every deadline that could affect how you vote. Depending on the voting method available, important dates may include deadlines for completing voter requirements, requesting voting materials or returning a ballot.

Use dates published by North Dakota election officials rather than relying on reminders from campaigns, social media posts or information from a previous election. Rules and voting locations can change between elections.

A useful election calendar should answer several basic questions: When is Election Day? Are any voting options available before then? When must requests and ballots be received? What hours apply at voting locations? Confirming those details early leaves time to address questions before a deadline passes.

Check what is on your ballot

The choices that count are the candidates and questions printed on the ballot issued to you. Review that ballot carefully before deciding how to vote.

Read the title of each office, the names listed for that contest and the instructions explaining how many choices may be marked. For a ballot question, read the full wording and note what a “yes” or “no” vote would do. Do not assume that a summary from a campaign or advocacy group uses the same wording as the ballot.

If an official sample ballot is available for your address, use it to identify contests that require more research. A sample ballot is for preparation; voters should follow election officials’ directions for casting the official ballot.

Confirm registration and voter requirements

Before trying to register, confirm North Dakota’s current rules and whether any action is required before voting. Ask election officials what information or documents a voter must present, which requirements apply to first-time voters and what to do after an address or name change.

Do not assume that a rule from another state applies in North Dakota. College students, military voters, people living away from home and residents who recently moved should ask which address and voting process apply to their circumstances.

Check personal records early enough to correct a problem. Names, addresses and other identifying information should be consistent with the rules explained by election officials.

Make a voting plan

Ask election officials which voting methods are available and what each one requires. Then choose the option that fits your schedule and circumstances.

For in-person voting, confirm the correct location, its operating hours and any required documents. Plan transportation and allow time for possible delays. A voter who needs assistance or an accommodation should ask election officials about the process before voting.

For any voting method involving a ballot outside a voting location, confirm how to request, complete and return it. Read every instruction, use the required return method and check the applicable deadline. Sending or delivering a ballot close to a deadline can leave less time to resolve a mistake.

Complete a final check

Before casting a ballot, review each marked contest and make sure the selections reflect your choices. Follow the ballot instructions and avoid marks that could make voter intent unclear.

Keep official contact information and any permitted records related to the voting process. If a question comes up, contact the election officials responsible for administering voting in your area. Campaigns can explain their own positions, but election officials are the proper contact for voting rules, deadlines, locations and ballot procedures.