More North Dakotans voted before Election Day than on it

(Jeff Beach -North Dakota Monitor) – More than half the votes by North Dakota voters were cast before Election Day, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

A news release from the office said 62.5% of eligible North Dakotans voted in the 2024 election in unofficial results.

Of the 371,510 ballots cast, 182,012 — 49% — came on Election Day. There were 98,684 ballots by early vote, and 90,814 absentee ballots, totaling 51%.

“Yesterday’s unofficial election results show a difference in voting patterns from previous elections. It’s clear early voting was a popular choice for voters who had that option,” Secretary of State Michael Howe said in a statement early Wednesday. “Whether voting by absentee, early voting, or on Election Day, North Dakota voters had several options to participate in the process. Many thanks go out to the poll workers and county auditors who made this election possible across the state.”

Election results will remain unofficial until county canvassing boards meet Nov. 18, and results are certified by the State Canvassing Board on Nov. 20.

North Dakota fell short of the state record for voter participation. The record was set during the 1984 presidential election at 69%.

North Dakota’s turnout was just below its average for a presidential year, which Howe had said was 63%.