39.8% Voter Turnout in North Dakota General Election

BISMARCK, N.D. - 39.8 percent of eligible North Dakota voters cast 239,057 ballots during the 2026 General Election as reported on election night, marking the lowest voter turnout in a general election in North Dakota in the last 50 years. The previous low of 43 percent was set in the 2022 General Election.

Unofficial results as of election night included 135,098 votes cast on election day, 50,493 ballots by early vote, and 53,466 absentee/vote-by-mail ballots. 43.4% of the total vote was cast during absentee and early voting. 56.6% of the total vote was cast on Election Day. Unofficial results for contests and ballot measures can be found on the North Dakota Secretary of State election results website.

“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,” said Secretary of State Michael Howe. “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.

Election results will remain unofficial until county canvassing boards meet on November 16, and results are certified by the State Canvassing Board on November 18.

For more information about North Dakota elections, visit vote.nd.gov.