Voting in Fargo vs. Moorhead: What's Different on Nov. 3

The general election is Tuesday, November 3. Fargo and Moorhead are a bridge apart, but voting works very differently in North Dakota and Minnesota. This is about how to vote - not who or what to vote for.

Fargo and West Fargo (North Dakota)

• There's no voter registration. North Dakota doesn't have it. Instead you need a valid ID - for every way of voting.¹
• Accepted ID: a North Dakota driver's license, a North Dakota non-driver ID, a tribal ID or tribal letter, or a long-term care certificate.² NDDOT's digital ID is not accepted.¹
• Who can vote: 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, a North Dakota resident, living in your precinct at least 30 days before the election. Moved in the last 30 days? Vote where you lived before.¹
• Early voting: Cass County offers in-person early voting; counties can start up to 15 days before Election Day. Dates and locations are at vote.nd.gov/myvotinginfo.³
• By mail: no excuse needed, but you have to request a ballot with an application, and it must reach the county auditor by the close of polls. Polling places don't take absentee ballots.¹

Moorhead (Minnesota)

• Early voting is already open - it started September 18 at the Clay County Government Center, 3510 12th Ave. S. Extra hours: Oct. 24 (9-3), Oct. 27 (4:30-7 p.m.), Oct. 31 (9-3), and Nov. 1 (9-3).⁴
• Register by October 13 - or register at the polls on Election Day.⁴
• Registering at the polls? Bring proof of where you live: for example, a Minnesota driver's license or ID with your current address, or a photo ID plus a recent utility bill or lease. A registered voter from your precinct can also vouch for you.⁵
• Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Clay County.⁴ Find your polling place at mnvotes.gov.⁶

The short version

In Fargo, bring your ID. In Moorhead, register by Oct. 13 or bring proof of address. Everything is on our how to vote page, with a countdown to Election Day.

References