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North Dakota elections in 2026

This page lists North Dakota statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in North Dakota​

Start with the official North Dakota voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

North Dakota does not require voter registration. Voters should review state guidance for identification and election-day requirements.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • June 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Not Required: North Dakota is the only state without voter registration.

Online​

Online is not currently listed as an available registration option for North Dakota.

By Mail​

By Mail is not currently listed as an available registration option for North Dakota.

In Person​

In Person is not currently listed as an available registration option for North Dakota.

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

No Voter Registration: Available

North Dakota is the only state without voter registration.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Absentee and early voting in North Dakota​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • May 25, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: Early voting starts 15 days before an Election Day. **Note: ** Be aware that this date falls on a holiday (Memorial Day, last Monday in May) and may be subject to change.
  • June 8, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends a day before election.

Voter ID requirements in North Dakota​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: North Dakota voter ID requirements.

North Dakota election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 9, 2026​

Statewide and Federal primaries are held on the second Tuesday in June of every general election year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - ND ST 16. 1-11-01

Important dates​

  • April 6, 2026 — Candidate Petition and Nomination Deadline: Last day to file petitions or nominations – By 4 p. m. , Monday, April 6, 2026
  • May 19, 2026 — Certificate of Write-In Candidacy Filing Deadlines: Congressional, Statewide, Legislative, or Judicial District – By 4 p. m. , Thursday, May 19, 2026
  • May 25, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: Early voting starts 15 days before an Election Day. **Note: ** Be aware that this date falls on a holiday (Memorial Day, last Monday in May) and may be subject to change.
  • June 8, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends a day before election.
  • June 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Not Required: North Dakota is the only state without voter registration.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • August 31, 2026 — Independent Candidate Petition Filing Deadline: Last Day to circulate and file petitions for independent candidates – By 4 p. m. , Monday, August 31, 2026
  • October 13, 2026 — Certificate of Write-In Candidacy Filing Deadlines: Congressional, Statewide, Legislative, or Judicial District – By 4 p. m. , Tuesday, October 13, 2026
  • October 19, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: Early voting starts 15 days before an Election Day.
  • November 2, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: Early voting ends a day before election.
  • November 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Not Required: North Dakota is the only state without voter registration.

Official North Dakota election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.