State Summary
North Dakota does not require post-election audits. It instead requires “Post-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing” following the election, prior to the meeting of the county canvassing board. Random testing of the voting system programming is conducted for one precinct in each county in the state. See N.D. Cent. Code 16.1-06-15
Voting Systems Used
North Dakota uses hand-marked paper ballots and optical scanners statewide, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.
Visit the Voting Equipment Database for an explanation of the types of voting equipment used.
Audit Comprehensiveness
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Transparency
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Audit Counting Method
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Type of Audit Units
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Contests and Issues Audited
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Addressing Discrepancies
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
For recount laws, please visit our Recount Law Database.
After each election, the secretary of state shall order a random testing of the voting system programming for one precinct in each county of the state. This test is not conducted on voter-cast ballots; it is conducted on a pre-audited group of ballots on which are recorded a predetermined number of votes. See N.D. Cent. Code 16.1-06-15
Timeline
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Binding on Official Outcomes
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Oversight and Conduct
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Ballot Protection
“The voting system must be secured in a manner prescribed by the county auditor that will protect the system and ballots from tampering.” See N.D. Cent. Code Ann. §16.1-15-04. After the canvass, the election board for each precinct wraps and seals the ballots in such a way that they cannot be opened without permanently breaking the seal. The ballots are then returned to the county recorder. See N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 16.1-15-08(1). The county recorder must keep the ballots locked in a fireproof vault for 45 days (for non-federal elections) or 22 months (for federal elections) and not open them except in the case of a trial or contested election. See N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 16.1-15-13.
Additional Targeted Samples
North Dakota does not require post-election audits.
Resources
North Dakota does not have post-election audit laws.
N.D. Cent. Code 16.1-06-15