When the polls opened early Tuesday at Liberty Elementary School on Bismarck’s north side, a small number of voters were handed the incorrect ballot for District 7. The mistake, traced to a receipt‑reading error by a poll judge, was identified within minutes.
County officials act fast to remedy the problem
Burleigh County Auditor Mark Splonskowski confirmed that the error affected only a few voters. He said the county’s election judges were immediately notified, and the judge in question was personally overseen by Splonskowski to ensure the proper ballots were distributed. By 9:45 a.m., the county reported that the issue had been fully resolved and no further problems were reported.
Voters who recognized the mistake before casting their votes were given the correct ballot and were able to complete their voting without further delay. The Secretary of State’s office described the incident as a “reading receipts” error and emphasized that the swift correction prevented any impact on the overall election outcome.
Candidate Michelle Axtman stresses fairness and voter confidence
Republican State Senate candidate Michelle Axtman, whose name appears on every District 7 ballot, expressed relief that the problem was quickly fixed. “More so, I just want to make sure voters feel like they were treated fairly,” Axtman told Your News Leader. “Of course we worked really hard this election season, and we want everyone who is able to vote for us to be able to vote for us.”
Axtman’s office confirmed that she is listed on every District 7 ballot and that the county’s rapid response aligns with the campaign’s commitment to a transparent and trustworthy election process.
What this means for Bismarck voters
The incident underscores the importance of vigilant poll monitoring, especially in busy early‑voting locations. While the error was minor, the county’s prompt action demonstrates a dedication to election integrity that voters can rely on.
Local election officials encourage anyone who experienced any difficulty at the polls to contact the Burleigh County Auditor’s office. They also remind residents that absentee and early‑voting options remain available throughout the election period.
Looking ahead
With the ballot issue resolved, attention now turns to the upcoming November elections. District 7 voters will continue to evaluate candidates on issues ranging from economic growth to public safety, and the county’s handling of today’s mishap aims to keep the focus on the candidates and their platforms rather than procedural glitches.
For ongoing updates on this story and other local election news, stay tuned to HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
