About Benson — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Swift County Jail is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county boundaries, and it's located right in Benson. The booking process follows standard procedures, photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information for each detainee. Public inmate lookup services allow residents to search for current detainees, while visitation follows specific rules with scheduled hours that visitors must observe.
Arrest Records
The Swift County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of every arrest including charges and personal information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs how these public records are accessed, establishing transparency and the public's right to information. Typical arrest records include the arrest date, specific charges filed, and which agency made the arrest.
Criminal Records
Swift County's criminal records cover a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal history information through the Bureau, which offers statewide data. The criminal records system in Swift County ensures that public safety is upheld by tracking and documenting criminal activities within the jurisdiction.
Vital Records
The Benson City Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records for the community, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Residents can obtain copies of these records by visiting the Clerk's Office or by downloading the necessary forms from the city's website at https://www.bensonmn.org/. The Benson Public Library offers resources and assistance For people looking for to research their family history.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Benson continues to thrive with a diverse mix of local enterprises, retail shops, restaurants, manufacturing operations, and service providers all contribute to the local economy. The Benson Area Chamber of Commerce is a central resource for these businesses, offering networking opportunities, advocacy, and support. Business related public records, including licensing and permitting information, can be accessed through the City of Benson's website at https://www.bensonmn.org/.
Economy & Demographics
Benson's economy is largely driven by its thriving agricultural sector, with many local farms and agribusinesses contributing to the city's economic vitality. The Benson Fire and Rescue Department, which can be accessed at https://www.bensonmn.org/index.asp?SEC=A73258FB-6E57-428A-86D3-8E339B33FD2A, also is important in supporting the community's economic activities by making sure of the safety of its residents and businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Benson voters rely on the Swift County Auditor-Treasurer's Office for election administration across Swift County. The office is located at 301 14th Street North, Suite 1, Benson, MN 56215 (phone: 320-843-3377, website: https://www.swiftcounty.org). Minnesota residents can register to vote online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up to 21 days before an election, or they can register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence.
Acceptable identification includes a Minnesota driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, or other documents showing name and current address. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions, mayoral elections occur in even-numbered years, while council seats are contested on a rotating basis. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Polling Place Finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Swift County Auditor-Treasurer. Most local residents vote at polling locations within the city, typically at public buildings such as schools or community centers. Minnesota law makes extensive election records publicly accessible: voter registration lists (with some private data redacted) are available for inspection, campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are searchable through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board at https://cfb.mn.gov, candidate filings are maintained by the Secretary of State and county auditors, and precinct-level election results are published after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Swift County reported The November 3, 2026 general election will include several significant races for Benson and Swift County voters: one U.S. Senate seat (Minnesota has two senators, with elections in alternating cycles; 2026 will feature whichever seat is up that cycle), all Minnesota U.S. House seats including the district representing Swift County, Minnesota state constitutional offices that may be contested, Minnesota State Senate and House of Representatives seats (Swift County is part of specific legislative districts that should be verified for 2026 boundaries), Swift County offices including County Commissioner positions, Sheriff, Attorney, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder, and potentially city offices depending on the election cycle. Minnesota offers absentee voting; registered voters can request an absentee ballot online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, by email, or in person at the Swift County Auditor-Treasurer's office beginning 46 days before an election. Absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within three days) or delivered in person to the Swift County office by 3:00 PM on Election Day.
Benson Public Records Directory
Search county, state, and federal government records serving Benson, Minnesota.
Official Government Resources
Benson Minnesota FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Benson subjects.
Benson Minnesota Vital Records
Minnesota Department of Health vital records for Benson.
Benson Minnesota USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Benson.
Benson Minnesota US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Benson.
Benson Minnesota Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Benson residents.
Benson Minnesota Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Benson.
Benson Minnesota National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Benson.
Benson Minnesota Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Benson residents.
Benson Minnesota PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Archives and Genealogy
Minnesota Historical Society genealogy and archives for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Minnesota for Benson.
Minnesota Courts, Benson Case Search
Minnesota Courts public access case search for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Inmate Search
Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Missing Persons
Minnesota Missing Person Clearinghouse for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Sex Offender Registry
Minnesota Department of Corrections sex offender registry for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Criminal History Records
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension criminal history for Benson.
Benson Minnesota Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Benson.
City of Benson
Directory of Benson city records and information
Get Criminal Case Histories
Minnesota Judicial Center 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: (651) 297-7650
Search Divorce records and other Civil matters
Phone: (651)259-3888 Contact Self Help Center District Court Directory
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Other Cities in Minnesota
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Benson, Minnesota?
To register to vote in Benson, Minnesota, residents can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Swift County elections office. Minnesota requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Minnesota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Benson, contact the Swift County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Benson, Minnesota?
Property records for Benson, Minnesota are maintained by the Swift County Assessor's Office and the Swift County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Swift County, including parcels in Benson. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Swift County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Minnesota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Swift County offices at the county courthouse. The Swift County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Benson, Minnesota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Benson, Minnesota residents are available through both county and state offices. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located in Saint Paul, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Minnesota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Swift County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Swift County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.