Binford, North Dakota Public Records

Residents can also obtain information on candidate filings, ballot measures, and precinct boundaries through this office or by visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at www.vote.nd.gov for statewide resources. North Dakota takes a distinctive approach to voter registration - the state doesn't require it. Eligible residents can vote simply by appearing at their polling place on Election Day with proper identification proving residency in the precinct. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or other approved documentation showing name, date of birth, and current residential address. While this eliminates registration deadlines, voters must bring appropriate identification. First-time voters or those who have recently moved should be prepared to show proof of residency. Details on acceptable identification are available at www.vote.nd.gov. Binford operates as an incorporated city with elected leadership. Municipal elections for the City Council and Mayor are held on a regular schedule as determined by city ordinance, typically in June of odd-numbered years to align with other local elections. Both council members and the mayor serve four-year terms. Information on upcoming city elections, candidate filing deadlines, and local ballot measures can be obtained by contacting Binford City Hall at 202 Main Street, Binford, ND 58416, phone (701) 676-2261, or by checking with the Griggs County Auditor's Office, which administers elections on behalf of the city. The next municipal election cycle would typically occur in June 2025 or June 2027 depending on the regular schedule. Residents can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Griggs County Auditor at (701) 797-2772 or using the polling place lookup tool on the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at www.vote.nd.gov. Polling locations are assigned based on precinct boundaries, and the city typically has one designated polling place for local residents. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Mountain Time on Election Day (Note: Griggs County observes Central Time, so polls are open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Central Time equivalent for statewide elections). Any voter in line at closing time is permitted to vote. Election records available to the public in North Dakota include precinct-level results posted by the Secretary of State after certification, candidate filing information including names, addresses, and party affiliations for federal, state, and county offices, campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees through the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal, and voter history showing whether a particular individual voted in past elections - though not how they voted, as ballots remain secret. Voter registration lists are maintained by county auditors, and the state's lack of formal registration means these lists are generated based on those who have voted or requested absentee ballots. North Dakota does not sell or widely distribute voter lists as some states do. In the November 2024 presidential election, Griggs County saw moderate turnout consistent with its small population and rural character. Approximately 800-900 ballots were cast countywide, reflecting strong civic participation rates typical of North Dakota's engaged rural communities. The county, like most of North Dakota, tends to favor Republican candidates in statewide and federal elections, though local races may be nonpartisan or decided by local issues rather than party affiliation. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters in Binford and across Griggs County will decide several important races. At the federal level, North Dakota's U.S. House of Representatives seat - the state's single at-large congressional district - will be on the ballot. At the state level, all members of the North Dakota House of Representatives are elected to four-year terms in presidential election years, so 2026 will not feature House races unless there are special elections; however, half of the North Dakota State Senate seats will be up for election, specifically those last elected in 2022. County-level races in 2026 may include Griggs County Commissioner seats, the County Auditor, County Sheriff depending on term schedules, State's Attorney, and other county offices as their terms expire. Local voters will also decide any school board positions and city offices if elections are consolidated with the general election. Specific candidate filings and ballot measures will be finalized by the Griggs County Auditor and published in the months leading up to the election. North Dakota allows absentee voting for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, are unable to go to the polling place due to illness or disability, or prefer to vote by mail. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the Griggs County Auditor's Office or downloaded from www.vote.nd.gov. Completed applications should be submitted to the County Auditor, who will mail a ballot to the voter. Voted absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in person to the County Auditor's office by the close of polls on Election Day. Early voting in person is also available at the County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before the election. North Dakota's flexible voting system, combined with no-excuse absentee voting and same-day registration with ID, provides multiple options for civic participation.