About Clifford
Notable landmarks in Clifford include the historic St. John’s Lutheran Church, which is a focal point for community gatherings, and the nearby Red River, which offers recreational opportunities for residents. The city is also characterized by its agricultural backdrop, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The city operates on a modest budget, with the 2022 budget reported at approximately $50,000, reflecting its limited infrastructure and community services. Despite its size, Clifford embodies the spirit of rural North Dakota living, building community among its residents.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Clifford
Traill County Sheriff's Office
The Traill County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services for all 863 square miles of Traill County, to include all of the cities within its boundaries.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Clifford
North Dakota Court System - Data Access
An online search will show you record information maintained anywhere in the state. The site also allows searching court calendars, which gives court users information about court dates and times. You can also contact the clerk of court in the county in which a record is located.
🔗 https://www.ndcourts.gov/state-court-administration/information-technology/data-access
🏠 Property & Public Records in Clifford
Traill County Recorder
Property records for Clifford, North Dakota are maintained by the Traill County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Traill County, including Clifford.
About Clifford North — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Individuals arrested anywhere in Traill County are processed at the Traill County Jail in Hillsboro, which is the primary detention facility for the area. The booking process includes photographing and fingerprinting arrestees. The Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate lookup service For people looking for information about current detainees. Visitation at the facility typically requires advance appointments and strict adherence to security protocols. Bond and bail procedures follow North Dakota state guidelines, allowing detainees to be released while awaiting court appearances.
Arrest Records
The Traill County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents throughout Traill County, including those involving Clifford residents. These documents detail arrest circumstances, charges filed, and personal information about arrestees. Residents and attorneys seeking copies of arrest records can submit requests to the Sheriff's Office, which may require formal applications under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Each record typically documents the arrest date, specific charges, and related court proceedings.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Traill County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Traill County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers an online portal for background checks, which includes arrest records, convictions, and other relevant criminal data.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates for Clifford residents, are kept by the North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Vital Records (https://www.health.nd.gov/vital records). The county courthouse in Hillsboro, North Dakota, also maintains some local vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
Information about businesses and economic activity in Clifford and the surrounding area is maintained by the Traill County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.traillcounty.com/economic-development). The North Dakota Secretary of State's office (https://sos.nd.gov/) also provides public access to business registration and licensing records for the community.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and statistics for Clifford, North Dakota, can be found through the U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/) and the North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.business.nd.gov/). These sources provide information on local employment, income, housing, and other economic indicators for the city.
Elections & Voter Records
The Traill County Auditor is the election official for Clifford, North Dakota residents, handling all aspects of the electoral process. Located at 105 1st Street SE, Hillsboro, ND 58045, the office can be reached at (701) 436-4454. This office manages voter registration inquiries, absentee voting, polling place assignments, ballot preparation, and results certification for the city and the entire county. Residents turn to this office for information about polling locations, sample ballots, and absentee ballot requests. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration.
Eligible residents can simply appear at their assigned polling place on Election Day with valid identification proving residency. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, North Dakota non-driver ID card, or tribal government-issued ID. Those without qualifying ID showing a current North Dakota street address can still vote by providing supplemental documentation and signing an affidavit. This system eliminates registration deadlines and online registration portals found in other states. Additional information is available at the North Dakota Secretary of State's election website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Municipal elections for mayor and city council positions in Clifford typically follow a staggered schedule consistent with North Dakota municipal election law. City elections generally take place in June of odd-numbered years. Given the community's very small population of 65, municipal races may go uncontested or be decided by write-in candidates. Residents can obtain details about upcoming city elections, candidate filings, and local ballot measures from Clifford City Hall or the Traill County Auditor's Office. County-level offices including county commissioners, sheriff, auditor, treasurer, recorder, and state's attorney are elected during the general election cycle in even-numbered years. Voters cast ballots at their assigned precinct polling place, which for most or all residents is likely located in or near the city. Polling place information is available from the Traill County Auditor or at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/wheretovote.aspx. North Dakota law allows early voting at the Traill County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before an election. Absentee voting by mail is available upon request to the County Auditor. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State's portal, with ballots mailed to the voter and returned by mail or delivered to the Auditor's Office. Traill County saw The 2024 election saw strong rural turnout across the state. Residents should check with the County Auditor for confirmed information on candidates and ballot measures as the election approaches. Public election records in North Dakota include precinct-by-precinct election results, campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (available through the Secretary of State), candidate filing information and statements, and information about ballot measures. Because the state does not maintain voter registration lists, there are no registration databases to access, which differs significantly from other states. Poll books showing who voted become public records after elections close. All election related public records requests should be directed to the Traill County Auditor's Office or the North Dakota Secretary of State's office at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 108, Bismarck, ND 58505, phone (701) 328-4284.
Public Records Resources for Clifford, North Dakota
Official government websites for Clifford, North Dakota and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- North Dakota Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the North Dakota Secretary of State.
- North Dakota Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Federal CasesSearch the ND Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- North Dakota Lawyer LookupVerify an attorney's licensing status with the ND Lawyers Directory.
- North Dakota MarriagesPublic search of the North Dakota marriage index.
- North Dakota Divorce RecordsAccess divorce records or request divorce certificates from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the ND State Unclaimed Property Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I vote in Clifford, North Dakota?
North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Clifford, North Dakota, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in your North Dakota precinct for at least 30 days. Bring valid photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or current driver's license) to the polls. For more information, see the North Dakota Secretary of State elections page at sos.nd.gov. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Clifford, contact the Traill County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Clifford, North Dakota?
Property records for Clifford, North Dakota are maintained by the Traill County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Traill County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Traill County, including parcels in Clifford. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Traill County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Traill County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Clifford, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Clifford, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Traill County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Traill 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.