On this page, we lay out how you can join a Zoom meeting via desktop and mobile devices, from a landline or mobile phone. 

Before joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device, you can download the Zoom app from the Zoom Download Center. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link.

You can also join a test meeting to familiarize yourself with Zoom.

Because most of our Zoom presentations will be visual, you will get the most out of a meeting if you join via computer, tablet or smartphone. Just click on this link you get from your meeting invite on Zoom a few minutes before the presentation starts.

When you log on, you’ll have two options for sound: join with computer audio or dial in via phone. It’s generally easiest to join with computer audio. Make sure you have the volume turned up

Don’t have a computer, smartphone or tablet? You can also dial in via phone for all Zoom meetings. 

Zoom FAQs:

• Is there anything I should do before a meeting or presentation?
  • Yes. If you haven’t used Zoom before, please go to zoom.com or download the Zoom app for your smartphone or tablet (it’s free). 
• Will anyone be able to see that I’m watching the presentation?
  • No. All participants will be asked to enter their name and email when logging into the presentation, but only ACLU staff members will see this information. We value your privacy!
• Will you be able to see or hear me?
  • No. You will be automatically muted when entering the presentation and the video function for participants will be disabled. So if you’re having a bad hair day, don’t worry about it. We won’t be able to see you – and neither will any of the other participants.
• What do I do if I have a question?
  • The chat function will be disabled during the presentation, but if you have any questions just type them into the Q&A box. We’ll answer everyone’s questions throughout the presentation. You can also choose to ask questions anonymously.

Anymore questions? Email us at northdakota@aclu.org. 

Gov. Doug Burgum said that “good health starts with stable housing.”

We agree.

That’s why the ACLU of North Dakota and several other area nonprofit organizations urged him to issue a temporary moratorium on eviction actions and a freeze on foreclosures in the state. Doing so would allow people to remain stably housed as they safeguard their health, the health of their families and other North Dakotans. Because as the number of positive cases in North Dakota rises, it is becoming evident that the COVID-19 public health emergency is an economic emergency as well.

Still, Gov. Burgum insists that with the $2.2 trillion legislation that will speed government payments of $1,200 to most Americans and increase jobless benefits for millions of people thrown out of work, a temporary moratorium on eviction actions isn’t necessary. “People may be in better shape than they realize,” Gov. Burgum said.

We’ve checked the numbers, and we agree. Workers making $20,000 per year and above receiving the $1,200 stimulus check and both state and federal unemployment benefits would be able to pay back rent for April and make their May rent payment.

So theoretically, a moratorium on eviction actions isn’t needed.

But now, it’s a matter of timing. When exactly will people start receiving these checks? In order for Gov. Burgum’s solution to work, people must receive this money soon – otherwise all the things that led us to call for the Executive Order will begin to come true: People will miss their rent or mortgage payments, landlords and banks may charge late fees or even begin “soft” evictions or foreclosures, and peoples’ credit will take a hit.

And then there’s the question of equity. Will everyone in need benefit from Gov. Burgum’s proposed solution or will there be groups of people be excluded? College students who are still claimed as dependents by their parents, for example, will not get the one-time $1,200 federal stimulus check. People who get paid cash under the table or who don’t understand or can’t navigate the unemployment process due to language barriers or disabilities won’t receive state unemployment checks or the feds’ $600 a week unemployment “bonus,” either. If these people are excluded, then what are they supposed to do?

We’d love to know more, but these are questions that Gov. Burgum hasn’t answered yet.

Coronavirus should not be a political issue, but with presidential primaries and the general election coming up, it could soon directly impact our politics. We should protect not only our health, but our civil liberties at this time — and one of those civil liberties is our fundamental right to vote. 

For many, the best way to vote while safeguarding your health during this time may be to vote by mail. It’s easy to request an absentee ballot and there’s still enough time to do so for upcoming primaries. While some states limit who can vote absentee — for example, to people with health issues, disabilities, or other circumstances that may prevent them from voting in person — most states allow anyone to vote this way.

As more states make emergency election changes due to COVID-19, we encourage you to visit this page to get more up-to-date information about who is eligible to cast a vote-by-mail ballot during the presidential primary in your state. 

These resources includes the deadlines for applying to vote by mail in the presidential primary and for submitting your voted ballot.

Remember that public health officials recommend that you not lick ballot envelopes, but instead use a wet sponge or cloth to seal them.

Consult state election officials if you have questions, including about other federal, state, and local elections not included here, or if you would like assistance in completing or printing a voter-by-mail ballot application. For more information on your voting rights generally, visit our voting rights page. 

For more information on voting by mail generally, please visit vote.org or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

North Dakota election and voting information:

• Eligible North Dakota voters are automatically registered.
• State Primary & Presidential Primary. 
• Date of primaries: June 9.
• Who can vote absentee: Every registered voter.
• Absentee ballots are mailed to every registered voter in the state's system according to Secretary of State Al Jaeger. Voters will be able to mail back their ballots free of charge.