Forbes Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Forbes, North Dakota government websites.
About Forbes, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
Forbes, North Dakota, is governed by the Forbes City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve a term length of three years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local governance, including budget approvals and city ordinances.
The city is situated along North Dakota Highway 1, which enhances its accessibility and connection to surrounding areas. The community is part of the larger Dickey County, which has a rich history tied to the development of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. This historical context contributes to Forbes' unique identity within the region.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Forbes, Dickey County is handled by the Dickey County Sheriff's Office along with several municipal police departments, including those in Ellendale and Oakes. The Sheriff's Office covers rural areas throughout the county, while city departments focus on their respective urban centers. When major crimes or emergencies arise, these agencies collaborate to ensure coverage and maintain public safety across all jurisdictions.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Dickey County Jail in Ellendale handles detention For people arrested anywhere in Dickey County. During booking, staff record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph each detainee. The Sheriff's Office provides inmate lookup services so the public can find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. Bond and bail procedures follow North Dakota state guidelines, which allow for release of individuals pending trial under certain conditions.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dickey County are maintained by the Dickey County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The North Dakota Open Records Statute governs accessibility of these documents, for openness and public access to governmental information throughout Dickey County.
Court Records
The Dickey County Courthouse in Ellendale is the judicial hub for Forbes and surrounding communities. The district court housed there handles a variety of civil and criminal cases affecting residents throughout Dickey County. Court records, including dockets and filings, can be accessed through the North Dakota Courts website at https://www.ndcourts.gov.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dickey County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Dickey County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are essential for employers, landlords, and individuals seeking background checks.
Public Records Access
Public records for Forbes, North Dakota, are maintained by the Dickey County Recorder's Office. The office preserves and provides access to a wide range of documents, from land deeds and property records to vital statistics. Residents and researchers can obtain copies by visiting the Recorder's Office in person or accessing Dickey County's online records portal at https://www.dickeynd.com/recorder.
Vital Records
The Dickey County Register of Deeds is the primary source for vital records in Forbes, North Dakota. This office maintains birth, marriage, and death certificates for the city and surrounding areas. Individuals can request copies of these records by submitting an application and providing the necessary identification and payment. The Register of Deeds can be reached at https://www.dickeynd.com/register-of-deeds.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Forbes, North Dakota, is supported by the Dickey County Economic Development Corporation. This organization works to attract and retain businesses in the region, providing resources and assistance to local entrepreneurs and companies. The DCEDC maintains a business directory and can be contacted at https://www.dickeynd.com/economic-development.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Forbes, North Dakota, is heavily influenced by the agricultural industry. The city and surrounding Dickey County are known for their production of crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, as well as livestock farming. The Dickey County Extension Service provides resources and support to local farmers and ranchers, and can be reached at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/dickeyextension.
Elections & Voter Records
Forbes voters are served by the Dickey County Auditor's Office, which administers elections throughout Dickey County. The office is located at 309 N 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND 58436, phone (701) 349-3249. The County Auditor is the election official responsible for voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place coordination, early voting, absentee ballot processing, and election results certification for all federal, state, county, and local elections affecting area residents. North Dakota is unique among U.S. States in that it does not require voter registration. Eligible residents, U.S.
Citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of North Dakota for at least 30 days - can vote by simply appearing at their assigned polling place on election day with valid identification proving residency and age. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver identification card, tribal government-issued ID, or other documentation establishing residency. This same-day voting system means residents don't need to register in advance but must provide proper identification at the polls. Forbes does not hold municipal elections as it is an unincorporated community without city government. Voters participate in Dickey County elections for county commission seats, sheriff, auditor, treasurer, state's attorney, and other county offices. These county elections typically occur in even-numbered years during the June primary and November general elections. North Dakota state legislative elections for the State Senate and House of Representatives also take place in even-numbered years, with the community falling within specific legislative districts that should be verified based on current redistricting. Polling place assignments for area voters can be confirmed by contacting the Dickey County Auditor's Office or by checking the North Dakota Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Early voting is available at the County Auditor's Office in Ellendale for a period before each election, typically beginning 15 days prior to election day. North Dakota voters can request absentee ballots for any election. Application forms are available from the County Auditor or online through the Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalList.aspx. Absentee ballot requests must be submitted by a specific deadline before the election, typically one week prior, and completed ballots must be returned by the deadline specified in the instructions. In the November 2024 presidential election, Dickey County reported voter turnout consistent with rural North Dakota patterns, with several hundred ballots cast county-wide. Specific turnout figures can be obtained from the County Auditor or the North Dakota Secretary of State election results page at https://results.sos.nd.gov. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election - North Dakota typically holds statewide elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November - Forbes and Dickey County voters will decide several important races. The 2026 ballot will include the U.S. Senate race, as North Dakota's Senate seats are on a six-year rotation with elections in 2024 and 2028 for the two seats, though voters should verify which federal races appear on the 2026 ballot. Statewide races in 2026 may include some statewide elected officials depending on term schedules. North Dakota state legislative seats for the State Senate and House are elected in the 2026 cycle, with all House seats and half of Senate seats up for election. The county will also have various county offices on the ballot depending on term expirations, which can include county commissioner positions, sheriff, auditor, treasurer, and other county officials on four-year cycles. Voters should check with the Dickey County Auditor closer to the election for a complete list of races and any local measures or questions. Election records in North Dakota that are publicly accessible include precinct-level election results available through the Secretary of State and County Auditor, candidate filing information and statements, campaign finance reports for state and county candidates filed with the Secretary of State and accessible at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, and information about ballot measures. North Dakota's open records laws make most election administration records available to the public, though individual voter information is not publicly disclosed due to the state's lack of a formal voter registration database.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.2/10, Dickey County and North Dakota provide strong statewide court and business databases with good vital records access, though property record digitization and law enforcement transparency remain limited in this rural county
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Forbes, Dickey 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 Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Forbes, Dickey 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 Forbes police department or the Dickey County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota Library?
The Forbes Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Dickey County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Forbes Public Library serves residents of Forbes and the surrounding Dickey County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Dickey County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Forbes, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Dickey County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Forbes Police Department or Dickey County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Forbes, Dickey County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Forbes, Dickey 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 Dickey 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 Forbes, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Forbes, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Dickey 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 Forbes, contact the Dickey County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Forbes, North Dakota?
Property records for Forbes, North Dakota are maintained by the Dickey County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Dickey County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Dickey County, including parcels in Forbes. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Dickey 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 Dickey County offices at the county courthouse. The Dickey County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Forbes, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Forbes, 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 Dickey County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Dickey 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 Forbes, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Forbes, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Forbes town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Forbes limits. Dickey 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 Forbes, contact the Forbes clerk's office and the Dickey County economic development office.