Havana Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Havana, North Dakota government websites.
About Havana, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
The city government of Havana, North Dakota, operates under the governing body known as the Havana City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve a term length of 3 years. Elections for council positions occur in June during odd-numbered years, allowing residents to participate in local governance.
Notable landmarks in Havana include the historic St. John's Lutheran Church, which is a focal point for community gatherings, and the nearby Lake Tewaukon, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating. The town is also part of the larger Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat for various wildlife species and opportunities for birdwatching.The town's economy has traditionally relied on farming, with many residents engaged in crop and livestock production. As of 2023, the town's budget is modest, reflecting its small size and population, with local governance led by Mayor Mike H. And the town council, which focuses on maintaining community services and infrastructure.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Sargent County Sheriff's Office, which provides primary law enforcement coverage for Havana and the surrounding area, several municipal police departments serve incorporated towns within the county. The Gwinner Police Department and the Milnor Police Department handle day-to-day law enforcement within their respective city limits, managing everything from local crime investigations to traffic enforcement.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Sargent County Jail in Forman is the main detention facility for Sargent County. When someone is arrested and brought to the facility, they go through a standard booking process that includes photographing and fingerprinting. The facility maintains an inmate lookup service that allows the public to find information about current detainees. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and follow strict guidelines established by the facility. Bond and bail procedures follow North Dakota state laws, which provide pathways For people to be released pending trial under certain conditions.
Arrest Records
The Sargent County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest along with charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly and following procedures outlined by the North Dakota Open Records Statute. A typical arrest record contains the individual's name, date of arrest, the charges filed, and bail information when applicable.
Court Records
Court records for Havana and Sargent County are maintained by the North Dakota Supreme Court's Clerk of Court (https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court/clerk-of-court). The office preserves civil, criminal, and probate case files, along with court dockets and other judicial documents that affect residents throughout the area.
Criminal Records
Sargent County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sargent County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Background checks in North Dakota can be conducted through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information for residents and employers.
Public Records Access
Public records for Havana, North Dakota can be accessed through the Sargent County Recorder's Office (http://www.sargentcountyndgov.com/county-offices/recorder/). The office maintains official documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens related to real estate transactions within Sargent County, including property records for the town.
Vital Records
Vital records for Havana residents, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are kept by the North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Vital Records (https://www.health.nd.gov/vital records). Requests for these records can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at their office in Bismarck.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Havana, North Dakota can be found through the North Dakota Secretary of State's office (https://sos.nd.gov/business-services). The office maintains information on registered corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities operating within the town and throughout Sargent County.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and business information for Havana, North Dakota can be found through the North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.business.nd.gov/). This includes economic indicators, industry statistics, and other data related to the town's local economy and employment.
Elections & Voter Records
The Sargent County Auditor is the official election officer for Havana residents, managing every aspect of the voting process from ballot preparation to results reporting, Forman, ND 58032, the office can be reached at 701-724-6244 for questions about polling locations, absentee voting, and other election matters. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration.
Eligible residents simply show up on Election Day with proof of residency and identification, which can include a North Dakota driver's license, state-issued non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or other documentation establishing residency in the precinct. While voters can establish their voting record in advance through the Sargent County Auditor, pre-registration remains optional rather than mandatory. Since Havana is unincorporated and has no municipal government, there are no city council or mayoral elections here. Instead, residents participate in federal, state, county, and township elections. Havana Township may hold elections for officers such as supervisors, clerk, and treasurer, typically in March of odd-numbered years; the Sargent County Auditor can provide specific information about township races. To find their assigned polling place, residents should contact the Auditor's Office at 701-724-6244 or watch for election notices mailed to households before each election. Precinct assignments determine where voters cast ballots, with Havana area residents typically voting at a designated location in or near the township or at the Sargent County seat in Forman. During the November 2024 general election, Sargent County reported voter turnout of approximately 72% of eligible voters, reflecting the high participation rates that North Dakota's same-day voting system consistently produces. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, several significant races will appear on ballots. North Dakota's U.S. Senate seat (Class I) is not up for election until 2028, but the state's at-large U.S. House seat will be contested in 2026. State legislative seats for the district that covers Sargent County - currently District 24 - will include both a state senator (four-year term) and state representative positions, depending on the election cycle. County offices potentially up for election in 2026 include Sargent County Sheriff, County Auditor, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and State's Attorney, though specific races will be confirmed closer to the filing deadlines in early 2026. Absentee voting is available for voters who will be away from their precinct on Election Day, those unable to vote due to illness or disability, and active-duty military or overseas voters. Applications can be requested from the Sargent County Auditor's Office beginning 40 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day. North Dakota public records law makes certain election records available to the public, including precinct-level results available from the Sargent County Auditor and posted on the Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Secretary of State and searchable online, as is candidate filing information. Poll lists showing who voted, though not how they voted, as ballots remain secret, are also public records available after elections. Because the state doesn't maintain a voter registration database, there's no statewide registered voter list, though counties do maintain records of who cast ballots in each election for verification purposes.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online No: assessor data limited, recorder may require in-person | Arrest Logs: No: Request Required No: no online jail roster for Sargent County | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required No: online ordering available through state with fees | Business: Yes: Free State Database No: ND Secretary of State First Stop portal | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Info No: no registration required, results posted online, accessible system | Overall: 6.5/10, Sargent County provides reasonable public records access through state systems and responsive county offices, though some property and law enforcement records require direct contact with Forman courthouse offices rather than full online availability
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Havana, Sargent 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 Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Havana, Sargent 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 Havana police department or the Sargent County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota Library?
The Havana Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Sargent County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Havana Public Library serves residents of Havana and the surrounding Sargent County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Sargent County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Havana, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Sargent County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Havana Police Department or Sargent County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Havana, Sargent County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Havana, Sargent 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 Sargent 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 Havana, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Havana, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Sargent 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 Havana, contact the Sargent County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Havana, North Dakota?
Property records for Havana, North Dakota are maintained by the Sargent County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Sargent County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Sargent County, including parcels in Havana. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Sargent 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 Sargent County offices at the county courthouse. The Sargent County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Havana, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Havana, 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 Sargent County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Sargent 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 Havana, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Havana, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Havana town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Havana limits. Sargent 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 Havana, contact the Havana clerk's office and the Sargent County economic development office.