North Dakota Conducts Elections Better Than Any Other State
With Election Day just under seven weeks away, many voters across the nation have begun educating themselves on candidates and preparing for seemingly endless lines. Voters in North Dakota, however, are expected to have a much better voting experience.
In a recent survey conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts, it has been revealed that North Dakota conducts its elections better than all other states in the country.
Not only do voters get frustrated with long lines, many struggle with getting to a polling place or returning their absentee ballot. North Dakota is much more likely to have shorter lines and accepted ballots overall.
The survey found that in 2012, North Dakota voters waited in line for an average of 7 1/2 minutes compared to the national average of 12 1/2 minutes. North Dakota's turnout was much higher than other states and only 0.1 percent of mail ballots were rejected.
North Dakota's voting success can mostly be credited towards not having to register before voting. With no provisional ballots, the likelihood of backing up the system is much smaller. There has also been no reported voter fraud or problems with non-citizens casting votes.
North Dakota stands as a great model to follow for states such as Mississippi who continue to struggle with election administration.
View Pew Charitable Trusts' survey, here.