Davenport Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Davenport, North Dakota government websites.
About Davenport, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Davenport, North Dakota, is the Davenport City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of four years. Elections are held during the general election in November, allowing residents to vote for their preferred candidates to represent the community.
Key landmarks in Davenport include the historic Davenport Town Hall, which is a focal point for local governance and community events, and the nearby Sheyenne River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking. The city is also home to the Davenport Community Center, a hub for various local activities and gatherings. Historically, Davenport was established in the late 19th century and has maintained its agricultural roots, with farming being a significant part of the local economy. The city is part of the larger Cass County agricultural scene, which contributes to North Dakota's status as one of the leading states in wheat production. The 2023 budget for the city of Davenport is approximately $500,000, reflecting its commitment to maintaining public services and community development.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement services for Davenport come primarily from the Cass County Sheriff's Office, which patrols the broader county area beyond municipal boundaries. The Fargo Police Department handles calls within Fargo's city limits and stands as the largest department in the county. West Fargo and Horace also operate their own municipal police departments. These agencies work together during major crimes and emergencies, pooling resources and intelligence to keep residents safe.
Jail & Inmate Records
Anyone arrested in Cass County is processed and held at the Cass County Jail in Fargo. The booking procedure includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of those brought in. Families and attorneys searching for current inmates can use the online lookup service provided by the facility. Visitation follows strict protocols, and most visits must be scheduled ahead of time according to facility guidelines. North Dakota's bond and bail system allows for pretrial release once bail is posted, with procedures set by the court.
Arrest Records
Both the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Fargo Police Department keep arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions. These documents contain the circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and identifying information about the person arrested. Residents and legal counsel can obtain arrest records by reaching out to the appropriate agency. The North Dakota Open Records Statute generally allows public access to this information, though some details may be withheld to protect active investigations or sensitive data.
Court Records
The Cass County District Court in Fargo handles all judicial matters involving Davenport, from criminal prosecutions to civil disputes and probate proceedings. Court files and hearing transcripts are available through the Cass County Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse. For appellate matters and higher court decisions affecting local residents, the North Dakota Supreme Court's website offers searchable access to opinions and case records.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cass County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Cass County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. To run a background check, individuals can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Public Records Access
Public records for Davenport residents are housed at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records can be obtained through the Cass County Recorder's Office. Property deeds, tax assessments, and land records are managed by the Cass County Director of Tax Equalization's Office. Meanwhile, Davenport City Hall keeps its own collection of local government documents, including city council meeting minutes and municipal ordinances. Residents can request these records either in person at the respective offices or through online portals where available.
Vital Records
Vital records for Davenport residents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the Cass County Recorder's Office. These records can be requested in person at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo or through the North Dakota Department of Health's vital records website. The Davenport City Hall may also have some local vital records available.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licenses and permits for Davenport are issued and maintained by Davenport City Hall. The Cass County Auditor's Office keeps records of business tax assessments and property ownership for commercial properties within the community. For information about corporate registrations and business filings for companies operating locally, the North Dakota Secretary of State's website provides searchable access to statewide business records.
Economy & Demographics
Economic and employment data for Davenport is collected and maintained by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau. This information includes business and industry statistics, unemployment rates, and income data for the city. The Cass County Economic Development Corporation also tracks economic indicators and development projects in the Davenport area.
Elections & Voter Records
Davenport voters are served by the Cass County Auditor-Recorder's Office, which administers elections for Cass County. The office is located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 (phone: 701-241-5660, website: www.casscountynd.gov/auditor-recorder). The Auditor-Recorder is the Cass County election official, managing voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place operations, absentee voting, and canvassing of results for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections affecting residents here.
North Dakota voters can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, or in person at the Cass County Auditor's office, at designated deputy registrars, or even at the polling place on Election Day. The state has no voter registration deadline, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day by showing proof of residency and valid identification. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license or non-driver ID card with a current address. This voter ID requirement sets North Dakota apart from most other states. Municipal elections for the City of Davenport take place in June of odd-numbered years for city council members and mayor positions. The next municipal election is scheduled for June 2025, when voters will elect city council members whose terms expire. Details about candidates, local ballot measures, and city-specific election matters are available through Davenport City Hall at 201 3rd Street, Davenport, ND 58021 (phone: 701-356-7792). City council meetings and candidate forums are typically held at the Davenport Community Center in the weeks before elections. Residents can find their assigned polling place through the North Dakota Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov by entering their address. Voters here typically cast ballots at a location within the city or nearby precinct, with specific sites confirmed by the County Auditor before each election. Election records that are public in North Dakota include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election related purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalList.aspx, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. The Cass County Auditor publishes detailed results on the Cass County website following each election, broken down by precinct and contest. In the November 2024 presidential election, Cass County reported approximately 54% voter turnout among registered voters, with over 95,000 ballots cast countywide. The county, home to Fargo, typically shows higher turnout than many rural North Dakota counties. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for local voters. North Dakota's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator John Hoeven is not up for election in 2026 (next election 2028), but North Dakota's U.S. House seat will be on the ballot. State-level races include North Dakota State Legislature positions, with the city located in legislative districts determined by redistricting; voters will elect State Senate and State House representatives. County offices on the ballot in 2026 will include Cass County Commission seats, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Auditor-Recorder, and other constitutional offices depending on term expirations. Local school board positions for Kindred Public School District may also appear on the ballot. North Dakota offers absentee voting for residents who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, are ill or disabled, or meet other qualifying criteria. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Cass County Auditor's office or online at the Secretary of State website. Completed applications must be submitted to the County Auditor, who will mail ballots to approved applicants. Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in person to the Auditor's office by the close of polls on Election Day. The state also allows early voting in person at the County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before the election.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Cass County and North Dakota provide excellent online access to most public records including court, property, and business databases, with strong election transparency and accessible inmate rosters, though vital records require state-level processing with associated fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the North Dakota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Davenport police department or the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota Library?
The Davenport Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Cass County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Davenport Public Library serves residents of Davenport and the surrounding Cass County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Cass County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Davenport, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Cass County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Davenport Police Department or Cass County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the North Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Cass County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Davenport, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Davenport, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Cass County elections office. 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 Davenport, contact the Cass County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Davenport, North Dakota?
Property records for Davenport, North Dakota are maintained by the Cass County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Cass County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Cass County, including parcels in Davenport. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Cass 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. For in-person requests, visit the Cass County offices at the county courthouse. The Cass County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Davenport, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Davenport, 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 Cass County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Cass 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Davenport, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Davenport, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Davenport town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Davenport limits. Cass County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all North Dakota businesses must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the North Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant North Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Davenport, contact the Davenport clerk's office and the Cass County economic development office.