BISMARCK, ND — State and county election officials across North Dakota watched the forecast closely Tuesday as severe weather was expected to move through the state during the afternoon and evening voting window. Officials said voting was expected to continue at all locations, with emergency managers and polling place workers coordinating to keep sites running.
Storm Risk Through the Evening
The National Weather Service warned of severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of 75 mph or higher Tuesday afternoon and night. By around 3:30 p.m., forecasters said localized gusts above 80 mph were possible in eastern North Dakota and the Red River Valley, especially later in the evening and overnight.
The same area was expected to carry the highest tornado risk, along with the chance of damaging hail, including stones as large as golf balls.
Officials Urge Early Voting
Secretary of State Michael Howe said voters should plan ahead and try to vote before weather conditions worsen, if they can. In a written statement, he said the goal was to protect both access to the ballot and the safety of voters, election workers and the public.
Howe also said businesses should work with employees so they have time to vote safely before hazardous weather arrives.
Paper Ballots Limit Outages
State officials reminded voters that power outages should not keep them from casting a ballot because North Dakota uses paper ballots. They also told residents to check vote.nd.gov for any polling place changes before leaving home.
Officials said people should watch local forecasts and road conditions, and allow extra travel time if high winds or other hazards make driving slower or more dangerous.
Election Day Continues
Howe said election officials remained committed to a secure, accurate and accessible election even with weather problems looming. He said the safety of citizens and the thousands of election workers involved in Election Day remained the top concern.
Polling places were expected to stay open as scheduled while officials monitored conditions across the state.
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