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There were 16,645 voters in Ward County who cast ballots in the 2026 General Election, for a turnout rate of 31.79%. The statewide turnout was 39.8%.
According to the North Dakota Secretary of State, eligible North Dakota voters cast 239,057 ballots during the 2026 General Election as reported on election night, marking the lowest voter turnout in a general election in North Dakota in the last 50 years. The previous low of 43% was set in the 2022 General Election.
Ward County's turnout in the last mid-term election in 2022 was 33.13%. It had been the lowest turnout in at least 20 years.
Unofficial results as of election night included 135,098 votes cast on election day, 50,493 ballots by early vote, and 53,466 absentee/vote-by-mail ballots. The Secretary of State reported 43.4% of the total vote was cast during absentee and early voting, and 56.6% of the total vote was cast on Election Day.
In Ward County, there were 1,539 absentee and 6,378 early ballots cast.
"North Dakota voters made their voices heard and our office was proud to work alongside all 53 counties to ensure a free and fair election," said Secretary of State Michael Howe in a news release. "I am incredibly grateful for the 3,000 poll workers who stepped forward to make democracy happen. While the voter turnout is disappointing, I am hopeful more North Dakotans will become civically engaged and vote in future elections."
Election results will remain unofficial until county canvassing boards meet on Nov. 16, and results are certified by the State Canvassing Board on Nov. 18.