Watford City, North Dakota Public Records

Acceptable forms of ID include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. Those without these documents may use a supplemental document showing their current name and residential address. This system eliminates registration deadlines entirely, though voters must still satisfy residency requirements of 30 days in North Dakota and 30 days in their precinct. Municipal elections in the city take place in June of odd-numbered years, when voters choose the mayor and city council members. These officials typically serve four-year terms. The next municipal election is scheduled for June 2025, when city council seats will be decided along with any local measures or ballot questions that may appear. The community operates under a city commission form of government consisting of a mayor and four city commissioners. Candidate filing details and local election information can be obtained through the Watford City Auditor's office at City Hall by calling 701-444-3557. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the McKenzie County Auditor or using the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. During the November 2024 general election, McKenzie County saw approximately 70% voter turnout, with over 4,200 ballots cast from roughly 6,000 eligible voters. The county strongly favored Republican candidates in federal and state races, continuing its historical voting patterns. On November 3, 2026, voters in the area will decide several significant races. North Dakota does not have a U.S. Senate seat up that year, as both senators were elected in other cycles, but voters will elect a U.S. Representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district. The gubernatorial race appears on the 2026 ballot, with the governor serving a four-year term. Other statewide constitutional officers including Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Agriculture Commissioner will also be elected. State legislative races for North Dakota House and Senate districts covering McKenzie County will be decided, alongside county offices such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and other county positions. North Dakota provides absentee voting for those who will be away from their precinct on election day, have a disability, or are over 65. Absentee ballot applications are available through the McKenzie County Auditor's office and must be requested by 5 PM the day before the election. Mail ballots must arrive at the county by the close of polls on election day. Election results become public record and are posted precinct-by-precinct on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.nd.gov, typically within hours after polls close. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State and available for public inspection online. The McKenzie County Auditor maintains candidate filing information, including who has filed for local offices, and posts it publicly during filing periods.