Minot residents heading to the polls this summer for the city’s special mayoral election will face a tighter window to cast their ballots. Unlike any recent local contests, there will be no early voting offered ahead of the August 5 election, raising concerns about the impact on the city’s already low voter turnout.
The decision, approved April 21 , means voters will need to cast their ballots in person on Election Day or request an absentee ballot which must be returned (not postmarked) by mail or drop-off before the deadline of August 5.
Minot has historically struggled with civic participation in local elections over the past few decades. We just saw less than 2,000 of Minot's voting eligible population of roughly 35,000 show up for the recent Park Board election. In the June 2022 mayoral race, turnout was just over 12%. Minot clearly struggles to get out to vote. With the removal of early voting, an option many residents have relied on for scheduling flexibility, this August's number could be closer to Junes Park Board election rather than 2018's comparatively high mark of 16%.
In response to questions about the lack of early voting, the city clarified that early voting is optional under state law, not required. According to the city's April 21 Council meeting, the Council voted to approve the recommendation to hold the special election on August 5, not including early voting.
North Dakota law (NDCC 16.1-04-02) requires all polling locations to be finalized no later than 64 days before the election. That deadline was June 2. The city also noted "Following the park vote, early voting interest was expressed. June 2 was 64 days from the special election day so no changes can be made."
They went on to discuss the implications of this being induced via citizen petition saying, "Due to the Special Election, resulting from a petition of the residents, the City Council is unable to cancel and/or postpone the date of the election in order to include early voting as an option."
Minot will have to be sure to do their best to get out and vote at the Municipal Auditorium between 7AM and 7PM on August 5th.
Expect candidate interviews to begin releasing the week of June 9 ahead of our public debate. Join us June 17 at 6 p.m. at the Mouse River Players Theater for the Minot Mayoral Debate, featuring all four candidates. The event will stream live on our social platforms and K-Hitz 106.9 FM.
