Before the Election: Absentee Ballot

Absentee Ballot Application

To receive an absentee ballot, you must first complete an Absentee Ballot Application.  Applications are only valid from January 1st to December 31st each year. You MUST re-apply each year to be able to vote absentee in an election. If you have already applied for a 2022 absentee ballot, you do not need to apply again. If you are unsure, please contact the Auditor’s Office at 701-577-4500. As a courtesy, in mid-September, Absentee Ballot Applications were mailed to eligible voters that had previously not requested a ballot for the November General Election.

Where can I complete an application?

Applications can be completed online, by requesting an application from the Auditor’s Office, or in person at the Auditor’s Office.

What do I need to know when completing the application?

  • To help us efficiently process your application, please PRINT your name.
  • Indicate the election(s) you would like a ballot for. If you only select one, then you will only receive a ballot for that election.
  • Make sure that your current residential address is up-to-date with the ND DOT Driver’s License office. You can do this online on the Driver’s License Office websiteIf you move between the June 14th and November 8th elections, you must complete a new application.
  • If you are a North Dakota resident living outside the United States and do not possess one of the other forms of identification, you may use a Passport or Military ID.

NDCC § 16.1-07-06 states:

  • A copy of supplemental documentation, if necessary, can be used when applying for an absentee/mail ballot.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant for completion and resubmission.

Can I obtain a ballot for someone else?

An individual can obtain an absentee ballot for up to three individuals in addition to their own ballot for one specific election by using the Agent Absentee Ballot Application. Additionally, an applicant living with a disability that prevents the individual from traveling away from the individual’s home to obtain an acceptable form of identification may use an attester. The attester must provide his or her name, North Dakota driver’s license, nondriver’s, or tribal identification number, and sign the absentee/mail ballot application form to attest to the applicant’s North Dakota residency and voting eligibility.

How do I submit my Application?

Return your application to the Auditor’s Office by mail, Drop Box, or in-person no later than October 28 if you would like your ballot mailed to you. If you have applied for a ballot, but have not received one by October 17, please contact the Auditor’s Office. Ballots will not be mailed after October 31; if you wish to vote absentee after this date, you will need to apply for, and receive, a ballot at the Auditor’s Office.

Auditor’s Office Counter

Monday – Friday
8 am – 5 pm

Secure Drop Box

Grenora City Hall, Ray City Hall, Tioga City Hall, TISA, or Williams County Administration Building (Williston)

By Mail

Williams County Auditor’s Office
P.O. Box 2047
Williston, ND 58802-2047

Absentee Ballots

Where/How to Submit Deadline

By mail

Williams County Auditor’s Office
P.O. Box 2047
Williston, ND 58802-2047

Must be postmarked no later than Monday, November 7. If you arrive at the Post Office to mail it ON November 7, you must ask for it to be “hand cancelled”
Secure Drop Box

  • Near the south entrance of the Williams County Admin Building (206 E Broadway, Williston, ND)
  • Tioga City Hall (16 1st St NE Tioga, ND)
  • Trenton Indian Service Area (TISA) Trenton, ND
  • Ray City Hall (101 Main St, Ray, ND)
  • Grenora City Hall (1 Main Street Grenora, ND)
Monday, November 7 by 5 pm CT
Auditor’s Office counter Monday, November 7 by 5 pm (ballots can also be obtained at the counter until this time)
Express Vote Monday, November 7 by 5 pm

If you are unable to return your ballot by these deadlines then you will have to go to your appropriate polling place on Election Day to cast your ballot in person. Absentee ballots are not accepted on Election Day at the Auditor’s Office or voting locations; absentee ballots brought to a voting location on Election Day will be spoiled and you can vote at the polls.

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