North Dakota records lowest voter turnout in 50 years
Summarised from 3 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 05:45 · Archive
North Dakota saw voter turnout of 39.8 per cent in the 2026 general election, the lowest in half a century.
North Dakota's 2026 general election saw a voter turnout of 39.8 per cent, with 239,488 ballots cast. This marks the lowest voter turnout in a general election in the state in the last 50 years, down from the previous low of 43 per cent set in the 2022 general election.
Of the votes cast, 135,529 were cast on election day, 50,493 by early vote, and 53,466 by absentee or mail ballot. Overall, 43.4 per cent of votes were cast during absentee and early voting, whilst 56.6 per cent were cast on election day.
North Dakota voters had several options for casting ballots. In person voters could vote at their assigned polling place or, in some counties, at vote centres where any qualified county voter could cast a ballot. Voters needed to provide acceptable ID, including a North Dakota driver's licence, non-driver ID card, long-term care certificate, or tribal ID. Absentee ballots had to be received by the close of polls on election day, whether by mail, county drop box, or in person to the county auditor.
Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office was 'proud to work alongside all 53 counties to ensure a free and fair election' and was 'incredibly grateful' for the 3,000 poll workers. However, he described the turnout as 'disappointing' and expressed hope that 'more North Dakotans will become civically engaged and vote in future elections'.
Election results remain unofficial until county canvassing boards meet on 16 November and results are certified by the State Canvassing Board on 18 November.
How it is being reported
- 39.9% voter turnout in North Dakota General Election, lowest in 50 yearsThis marks the lowest voter turnout in a general election in North Dakota in the last 50 years.Kfyrtv · 4 Nov, 05:31
- Lowest North Dakota voter turnout in a general election in the last 50 yearsThe previous low was set in the 2022 General Election.Valleynewslive · 4 Nov, 05:29
- North Dakota Midterm Election 2026: Unofficial ResultsHere are the 2026 North Dakota midterm election unofficial results.KXNET · 4 Nov, 05:23
- Voter turnout across North DakotaThe Office of the Secretary of State reports that as of 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, 195,000 voters have cast ballots for the 2026 General Election.Kfyrtv · 3 Nov, 22:15
- Midday update: 162,000 voters have cast ballots in North DakotaAs of 1:00 pm, 162,000 voters have cast ballots for the 2026 General Election.Valleynewslive · 3 Nov, 19:36
- Early voting wraps in Ward CountyEarly voting wraps up today in Ward County and across North Dakota after drawing thousands of voters ahead of Election Day.Kfyrtv · 3 Nov, 00:35
- How to vote in North Dakota and Minnesota on Election DayWhat to know before heading to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3Valleynewslive · 2 Nov, 23:11
- Meet the candidates for District 3 SenateTomorrow is election day, and there are some contested legislative races in the Minot area. Two candidates from Minot’s District 3 are asking voters to send them to the North Dakota Senate.Kfyrtv · 2 Nov, 21:55
In this story: North Dakota · Michael Howe · North Dakota Secretary of State
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