Stutsman County primary turnout nears 2018 levels at 19.85%

Stutsman County voters came close to matching the county’s strongest recent primary performance, with turnout reaching 19.85% as contested local races helped drive more people to the polls in Jamestown and Medina. The unofficial total of 3,417 ballots gives county officials an early sign that civic engagement may be strengthening ahead of the next election cycle.

Jessica Alonge, Stutsman County auditor and chief operating officer, said 2,163 ballots were cast at the Jamestown Civic Center on Election Day, 182 at the Medina American Legion, 875 came in during early voting from June 1-5, and 197 were absentee ballots. That total topped the county’s 2024 primary, when turnout was 16.2% with 2,795 ballots cast, and far exceeded the 2022 primary, which drew 10.59% and 1,741 ballots. It still fell just short of 2018, when turnout reached 20.98% and 3,528 voters participated.

Alonge described the day as steady, with voting activity continuing throughout the day rather than surging in short bursts or dropping off for long stretches. She also said one of the most encouraging signs was the number of first-time voters and younger voters who came with parents or other family members. Medina poll workers reported a similar experience, which suggests the stronger turnout was not limited to Jamestown alone.

The primary mattered locally because Jamestown voters had several contested no-party races on the ballot, including mayor, City Council, parks and recreation, and school board. Katie Hemmer was the reported leader in the Jamestown mayoral race, a result that underscored how closely watched the local contests were. Alonge also said there were 54 spoiled ballots in Jamestown and six in Medina, most of them from voters who crossed party lines in a primary where only one party’s ballot could be chosen.

Statewide, the numbers fit into a broader pattern. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe said June primaries have averaged about 22% turnout since 2000, and the June 9 election drew about 21% of eligible voters statewide, or 125,101 ballots. About 41% of those ballots were cast early or by absentee, while 59% were cast on Election Day. The election cycle opened with absentee voting on April 30, the absentee application deadline fell on June 8, ballots had to be returned by the close of polls on June 9, and county canvassing boards will meet June 22.

For Stutsman County, the turnout rebound matters now because it points to voters responding to local stakes, not just statewide politics. With results still unofficial until the county canvass, the June primary already suggests future campaigns will have to pay close attention to Jamestown precincts, early voters, and the county’s growing share of younger participants.