Story perspectives

North Dakota’s Unique Voting System: No Registration, High Satisfaction

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

North Dakota has a voting system that does not require voter registration, in place since 1951.
The system is associated with high voter satisfaction and low incidences of election fraud.
Political scientist Mark Jendrysik says turnout is average and the absence of registration simplifies voting.
North Dakota Secretary of State Sandy McMerty says rigorous data-sharing could help replication, but acknowledges that California's size poses additional challenges.

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Story summary

North Dakota has a voting system that does not require voter registration, in place since 1951.
The system is associated with high voter satisfaction and low incidences of election fraud.
Political scientist Mark Jendrysik says turnout is average and the absence of registration simplifies voting.
North Dakota Secretary of State Sandy McMerty says rigorous data-sharing could help replication, but acknowledges that California's size poses additional challenges.