1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democrat Arthur A. Link defeated Republican nominee Richard Elkin with 51.58% of the vote.

1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election

November 2, 1976

Nominee Arthur A. Link Richard Elkin Party Democratic-NPL Republican Running mate Wayne Sanstead Ernest G. Pyle Popular vote 153,309 138,321 Percentage 51.58% 46.53%

County results Link:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Elkin:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

Governor before election Arthur A. Link Democratic-NPL Elected Governor Arthur A. Link Democratic-NPL

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 7, 1976.[1]

Candidates

• Arthur A. Link, incumbent Governor

Results

Democratic primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic-NPL	Arthur A. Link	54,759	100.00
Total votes			54,759	100.00

Candidates

• Richard Elkin, North Dakota Public Service Commissioner
• Herb Geving

Results

Republican primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Richard Elkin	54,427	81.92
	Republican	Herb Geving	12,013	18.08
Total votes			66,440	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Arthur A. Link, Democratic
• Richard Elkin, Republican

Other candidates

• Martin K. Vaaler, American

Results

1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic-NPL	Arthur A. Link	153,309	51.58%
	Republican	Richard Elkin	138,321	46.53%
	American	Martin K. Vaaler	5,619	1.89%
Majority			14,988
Turnout			297,249
	Democratic-NPL hold		Swing

References

1. "Primary Election" (PDF). North Dakota Secretary of State. 1976. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
2. "General Election" (PDF). North Dakota Secretary of State. 1976. Retrieved December 20, 2018.