Zap, North Dakota Public Records

Information about upcoming elections, candidate filings, and sample ballots can be obtained by contacting the Auditor's office directly or visiting during regular business hours. North Dakota stands alone as the only state without voter registration requirements. Eligible residents may vote by presenting identification at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable forms include a North Dakota driver's license, state ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or other approved documents showing the voter's name, current residential address, and date of birth. Voters without qualifying ID showing current address may use supplemental documentation and a sworn affidavit. This distinctive system means residents don't register in advance—they simply establish residency and eligibility when voting. Additional information about ID requirements is available at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Municipal elections in Zap for mayor and city council positions typically follow a schedule determined by the city charter. North Dakota cities generally hold these elections in June of odd-numbered years, suggesting the next city elections would likely occur in June 2025 or June 2027, depending on current officeholders' terms. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures can be obtained from the city auditor or clerk. Since municipal schedules vary, residents should contact City Hall or the Mercer County Auditor to confirm upcoming election dates and filing deadlines. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the North Dakota Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov or by contacting the Mercer County Auditor at (701) 745-3262. Polling places typically occupy schools, community centers, or city halls. Local voters historically cast ballots at a location in town for city elections, while county and state elections may be held there or at consolidated locations determined by the County Auditor. Publicly accessible North Dakota election records include precinct-level results, posted after each election and compiled by the Secretary of State at https://results.sos.nd.gov. Campaign finance reports for state-level candidates are available through the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal. Candidate filing information for state and county offices is public, as are voter history records showing whether an individual voted in specific elections, though not how they voted. Actual voter lists are available to campaigns and parties under conditions specified in North Dakota Century Code Title 16.1. In the November 2024 general election, Mercer County recorded voter turnout of approximately 75-80% of eligible voters, reflecting North Dakota's typically high participation rates, particularly during presidential election years. The county, like most of rural North Dakota, showed strong support for Republican candidates at federal and state levels. Specific turnout and result data for the county can be found at the Secretary of State's website. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters here will decide several important races. North Dakota's U.S. Senate Class III seat will be on the ballot, as will one of the state's at-large U.S. House seats. No gubernatorial election occurs in 2026, as the state elects its governor in presidential election years, next in 2028. State legislative races for North Dakota House and Senate districts will appear on the ballot, with county voters participating in their assigned legislative district. County offices up for election in 2026 will include various commissioners, the Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, and other officials on four-year cycles. Any local ballot measures, school board elections, or special district questions may also appear. North Dakota offers absentee voting for voters absent from their precinct on Election Day, unable to vote in person due to illness or disability, or meeting other qualifying reasons. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the Mercer County Auditor beginning 40 days before an election. Applications can be downloaded from https://vip.sos.nd.gov or requested from the County Auditor's office. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), with information available through the Federal Voting Assistance Program and the North Dakota Secretary of State.