Voters line up at a south Fargo polling site on Tuesday. Photo: JJ Gordon, KFGO.
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Voter turnout in North Dakota dropped to its lowest level in five decades during Tuesday’s general election, according to unofficial results released by state election officials.
Statewide, 39.8% of eligible voters cast ballots, breaking the previous 50-year low of 43% set during the 2022 midterm election.
In total, North Dakotans cast 239,057 ballots. More than half of those votes, 135,098 ballots, or 56.6%, were cast in person at polling locations on Election Day. Early voting accounted for 50,493 ballots, while another 53,466 ballots arrived by mail or absentee. Together, early and mail-in voting made up 43.4% of the total vote.
Secretary of State Michael Howe praised election staff across the state, even as he expressed disappointment over the record-low turnout.
“North Dakota voters made their voices heard and our office was proud to work alongside all 53 counties to ensure a free and fair election,” Howe said. “I am incredibly grateful for the 3,000 poll workers who stepped forward to make democracy happen. While the voter turnout is disappointing, I am hopeful more North Dakotans will become civically engaged and vote in future elections.”
The results reported on election night remain unofficial. County canvassing boards across the state will meet on Nov. 16 to review local ballots, and the State Canvassing Board will meet on Nov. 18 to officially certify the final results.
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