Bowbells, North Dakota Public Records

Residents can contact this office for any election related questions, from registration status to polling locations and sample ballots. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents simply present valid identification at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable forms include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver identification card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care facility ID. The ID must show the voter's name, current residential address, and date of birth. Voters whose ID doesn't reflect their current address can provide supplemental documentation or sign an affidavit. Despite the lack of formal registration, the state maintains a central voter file through the Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, where residents can verify eligibility and locate their polling place. Municipal elections for mayor and city council members are held in Bowbells during the general election cycle in even-numbered years, though specific dates and contested offices vary based on term expirations and local schedules. The next municipal election cycle arrives in June 2026 for local offices. Information about city candidates, ballot measures, and election dates is available from Bowbells City Hall at 107 Main Street or the Burke County Auditor's office. Residents locate their assigned polling place through the North Dakota Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalList.aspx by entering their street address. Given Burke County's sparse population, Burke County operates a limited number of polling locations. The city hosts the main polling site for local and surrounding precinct residents at a public building such as the school or community center. Publicly accessible election records include precinct-level results published by the Secretary of State after each election. Campaign finance disclosures, required for candidates and political committees, are filed with the Secretary of State and searchable at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/campaignfinance. Candidate filing information showing who has filed for which offices is available through the Burke County Auditor for local races and the Secretary of State for state and federal contests. In the November 2024 presidential election, Burke County reported voter turnout of approximately 65-70% of eligible voters, consistent with North Dakota's typically strong rural participation. The county, like most of northwestern North Dakota, votes heavily Republican in federal and state elections. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026 (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November), voters in Bowbells and Burke County will decide several significant races. North Dakota's junior U.S. Senate seat will not be contested in 2026, as the next Senate race occurs in 2028, but the state's single U.S. House seat will appear on the ballot. The Governor's office will be up for election, along with other statewide constitutional offices including Secretary of State and Attorney General. State legislative seats for the North Dakota House and Senate in District 1, which serves Burke County, will also be contested. Various county offices including County Commissioner seats, Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, and State's Attorney may appear depending on term expirations. City offices may be on the June 2026 municipal ballot if separate from the general election. North Dakota offers absentee voting for residents who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability, or meet other qualifying criteria. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Burke County Auditor's office and must be submitted by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Burke County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day. Early voting is available in person at the Burke County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before the election.