Early voting kicked off this morning in Morton County, North Dakota, giving residents the chance to cast their ballots ahead of the November election. The designated polling site in Mandan opened its doors at 9:30 a.m., and election worker Marlys Balkowitsch reported a “phenomenal” flow of voters since the start of the day.

High Participation From the Start

According to the Secretary of State’s website, roughly 600,000 North Dakotans are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. So far, almost 13,000 people have taken advantage of early voting across the state, and Morton County is contributing a solid share of that total. Balkowitsch noted that the location has been “busy” throughout the morning and continues to see a steady stream of voters.

County Preparation and Staffing

The smooth operation at the Mandan site reflects months of preparation by the county auditor’s office and the dedicated election staff. “They pack it in a tote for us when they bring it over, we just set everything out. You know, we do our count whatever it may be. I have a good team that I work with, these four women I’ve worked with for a good six to eight years already together,” Balkowitsch said, highlighting the experience and teamwork behind the scenes.

Voter Experience

Local voters described their preparation for the election in a variety of ways. “Kinda watchin’ a lot of news, a lot of news, a lot of TV. A lot of reading on things, but more or less TV ads,” said Mike Zerr, a resident who stopped by the polling site. His comment underscores the role of media and campaign advertising in informing voters as they head to the polls.

Early Voting Schedule

Early voting will remain open throughout the week in Morton County, giving residents ample opportunity to vote before Election Day. The Mandan location, however, will be closed on Sunday, so voters are encouraged to plan accordingly.

How to Get More Information

For additional details on early voting locations, hours, and eligibility, residents can visit the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website. The site provides up‑to‑date information on voting procedures, required identification, and other resources to help ensure a smooth voting experience for all North Dakotans.

Looking Ahead

With early voting already underway and thousands of ballots cast, Morton County is on track to play a significant role in the upcoming statewide election. Election officials remain confident that the continued participation will reflect the community’s commitment to civic duty and the democratic process.

Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.