Cass County gears up for November election

Cass County Auditor Mike Montplaisir says the 2020 primary election was different, due to COVID-19, but the citizens of the county adapted well. Hey says 28,500 ballots came back.

"I think it went pretty well," Montplaisir said. "The mail-in worked."

It wasn't without some issues. He says some didn't get their ballots. A common theme was the citizens didn't apply, or thought the original mailing from North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger was a ballot, when it actually was an application. An application needs to be filled out before a ballot can be issued for the mail-in process.

With the November general election right around the corner, Montplaisir tells voters to "be proactive and be early."

"The process isn't going to be the same as the past," he says.

Voters will have options. The first option is vote by mail, which can be done 40 days before the election.

Voters will also be allowed early voting, which will begin 15 days before the election at three sites. One week before the election, those numbers will double to six sites. Sites will be open Monday through Saturday, except for election week, where the sites will be open Monday and Tuesday. Montplaisir says there will be one rural site, located in Casselton.

As far as election workers go, Montplaisir says he is confident the county has enough people to man the election this year, even with the pandemic ongoing.

Masks will be recommended and highly suggested at the election sites. In fact, Montplaisir says disposable masks will be made available. But, they are not required. 

"We cannot require them," he says.