Oakes, North Dakota Public Records

Instead, residents can vote on Election Day simply by showing valid identification that proves residency in their precinct. Acceptable forms of ID include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver's ID card, or tribal government-issued ID displaying a current residential address. Those without qualifying identification can still vote by completing an affidavit and providing supplemental documentation. Without registration deadlines to worry about, North Dakota residents just need to appear at their polling place with proper ID. Municipal elections in the city take place during June of even-numbered years, when city council and mayoral positions appear on the ballot. The Oakes City Commission consists of five at-large commissioners serving staggered terms. The next municipal election is set for June 2026, when city commission seats and possibly mayoral positions will be decided. Candidate filing periods typically open in January and close in early April before the June election. Details about local candidates, ballot measures, and election dates are available through Oakes City Hall at 701-742-3292 and through the County Auditor. Voters can confirm their polling place assignments by contacting the County Auditor or using the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Lookup tool at vip.sos.nd.gov. The city typically operates one or two polling locations depending on the election, with locations posted publicly beforehand. Chapter 44-04 of the North Dakota Century Code makes certain election records publicly accessible. While voter lists don't exist due to the absence of registration, precinct-level results, candidate filing documents, and campaign finance reports are all public records available through the Secretary of State at www.sos.nd.gov or the County Auditor. During the November 2024 general election, Dickey County reported approximately 65% voter turnout, with roughly 1,200-1,400 ballots cast county-wide from an eligible voting population near 2,100. Those figures reflect North Dakota's relatively strong civic participation. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Oakes and Dickey County voters will weigh in on several significant races. North Dakota doesn't have a U.S. Senate seat up that year, as both senators were last elected in 2024 and 2022. However, the state's At-Large U.S. House seat will be on the ballot, along with state legislative seats for the North Dakota House and Senate districts covering the county, which is District 24. County-level positions including County Commissioner seats, County Auditor, State's Attorney, and Sheriff may also appear depending on term expirations. Absentee voting is available to any qualified voter who requests a ballot. Applications can be submitted to the Dickey County Auditor beginning 40 days before an election, with completed ballots due by the time polls close on Election Day. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. The state does not have universal mail-in voting; absentee ballots must be specifically requested. Early voting is available in person at the County Auditor's office starting 15 days before Election Day.