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 2023 absentee ballot and selected City Election or Special Election, you do not need to apply again. If you are unsure, please contact the Auditor’s Office at 701-577-4500.

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 and mailing address is up-to-date with the ND DOT Driver’s License office. You can do this online on the Driver’s License Office website.

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?

For the Williston’s September 26, 2023, Special Election you will need to return your application to the Auditor’s Office by mail, Drop Box, or in-person no later than September 15 if you would like your ballot mailed to you. If you have applied for a ballot, but have not received one by September 15, please contact the Auditor’s Office. Ballots will not be mailed after September 15; 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

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, September 25. If you arrive at the Post Office to mail it ON September 25, 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)
Monday, September 25 by 5 pm CT
Auditor’s Office counter Monday, September 25 by 5 pm (ballots can also be obtained at the counter until this time)

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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