BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — With only five weeks remaining before election day, the political process is entering its home stretch — and North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe says voters need to start finding out where their polling locations are to cast their ballots for the 2024 General Election on Tuesday, November 5. "We are really encouraging voters to make a plan to vote," he explains. "What do their plans entail?" How states that North Dakota law requires that voters must present a legal form of identification before they are given a ballot to vote. This can be a North Dakota driver's License, a non-driver I.D., a long-term care certificate, a tribal I.D., or a tribal letter. If voters can't make it to the voting booth on election day, Howe says they have other options to get their ballot in. "If your county offers in-person early voting," he states, "you can utilize that, or you can vote absentee." Most absentee ballots have been mailed out to voters who already applied for them earlier this year. However, voters still have time to request an absentee ballot application from their county auditor, or through the Secretary of State's office. Howe says those applying for one are also required to provide legal identification before they receive it in the mail. Once an absentee ballot is filled out by the voter, it can be dropped off at their county auditor's office. The deadline for turning in absentee ballots is the day before the election by 5:00 p.m., or postmarked by November 4 for mailed-in ballots. Howe continues to add that all absentee and early ballots are processed and securely stored at each county auditor's office, and counted with the other ballots after polls close on election day. If a resident chooses not to vote absentee, they also have the option to cast their ballot before election day in counties that provide early in-person voting. Early voting dates and times vary by county and voters can be found on the North Dakota Secretary of State's website. With the election right around the corner, Howe says it takes a lot of heavy lifting to ensure the next election takes off successfully. "We have about 3,000 poll workers to conduct a North Dakota election," Howe concludes. "I encourage anyone interested to reach out to their county office, and ask how can they can become involved in the process." All North Dakota voters must be 18 years of age or older, a United States Citizen, and a resident of the state. They must also have lived in their voting precinct for 30 days before the election. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW