Lehr Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Lehr, North Dakota government websites.
About Lehr, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
Lehr, North Dakota, operates under a city government structure known as the Lehr City Council. This governing body consists of five elected members, including the Mayor and four council members. Each member serves a term of three years, with elections held in June of odd-numbered years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local governance, including budget approvals and city ordinances.
Economically, Lehr has a history rooted in agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The city is part of the larger agricultural scene of McIntosh County, which has a strong focus on crop production and livestock farming. Lehr is also known for its proximity to the scenic Lake Tschida, offering recreational opportunities for Everyone. The city holds regular city council meetings on the first Monday of each month at the Lehr Community Center, providing a platform for community engagement and local governance.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in the area operates through a collaborative network. While the McIntosh County Sheriff's Office provides coverage across the county, municipal police departments in cities like Ashley handle policing within their own city limits. These agencies work together on major crimes and incidents, making sure of response throughout the county. Each department maintains responsibility for its jurisdiction, with the Sheriff's Office handling broader county-wide duties.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility for the county is the McIntosh County Jail in Ashley. When individuals are arrested anywhere in Mc Intosh County, they're processed at this facility, where booking includes photographing and fingerprinting. Family members and attorneys can locate information about current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, which allow for release pending court appearances.
Arrest Records
The McIntosh County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for Mc Intosh County. These records contain details of each arrest, the charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and legal representatives seeking access to this information can contact the Sheriff's Office directly. The North Dakota Open Records Statute governs how these records are accessed, for openness and public availability of arrest information.
Court Records
The McIntosh County Courthouse (https://www.mcintoshcountynd.gov/courthouse.html) is the venue for district court proceedings. This court has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases involving residents of Lehr. Those seeking court records, including case files and transcripts, can access them through the courthouse.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in McIntosh County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The McIntosh 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 criminal history reports. The Bureau ensures that McIntosh County residents have access to accurate and up-to-date information for personal and professional purposes.
Public Records Access
A range of public records is maintained by the McIntosh County Auditor's Office (https://www.mcintoshcountynd.gov/auditor.html). This includes vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, along with property tax assessments and other county-level documents. For historical records and documents related to the community and county, the North Dakota State Archives (https://www.nd.gov/hist/archives.html) is an additional resource.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lehr, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the McIntosh County Recorder's Office (https://www.mcintoshcountynd.gov/recorder.html). Residents can request copies of these records by contacting the office directly or visiting their website.
Business & Licensing Records
Those interested in local business information, economic data, and development initiatives in the area can turn to the McIntosh County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.mcintoshcountynd.gov/economic-development.html). The North Dakota Secretary of State's office (https://sos.nd.gov/) also maintains a public business registry that can be searched for companies based in the community.
Economy & Demographics
The U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/) provides economic data and statistics for Lehr, including information on local industries, employment, and household income. The North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.ndcommerce.com/) also offers economic development resources and data for communities like Lehr.
Elections & Voter Records
The McIntosh County Auditor is the election official for Lehr, North Dakota voters. Located at 112 1st Street NE, Ashley, ND 58413, the County Auditor's Office handles all aspects of election administration - from voter registration to precinct management and vote counting - for every federal, state, county, and municipal election affecting residents. The office can be reached at (701) 288-3340. North Dakota stands apart from other states by not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents simply provide identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day.
Voters can voluntarily provide information to the county for inclusion in the central voter file to help with poll book preparation. Those preferring to vote absentee can do so beginning 15 days before an election at the Mc Intosh County Auditor's office. Mail-in absentee ballots are available upon request by contacting the McIntosh County Auditor, though applications must be received by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Residents vote at a polling place designated by the county; specific locations can be confirmed through the County Auditor or the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members, typically on a non-partisan basis in June of odd-numbered years, though the specific schedule depends on term expirations and whether positions are contested. As a small community with limited population, municipal races are often uncontested or decided by write-in votes. In the November 2024 general election, Mc Intosh County reported approximately 850 total votes cast in the presidential race, representing turnout of about 70% of Mc Intosh County's estimated 1,200 eligible voters. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters in Lehr will decide several important races: North Dakota's U.S. House of Representatives seat (the state has one at-large congressional district), multiple North Dakota State Legislature seats including District 28 which covers the county, county offices including County Commissioner, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder, and potentially municipal offices depending on the election schedule. North Dakota does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, and the Governor's race is not scheduled for 2026 (next in 2028). Residents will also decide on any statewide ballot measures that may be certified for the 2026 election. Election records publicly accessible in North Dakota include precinct-level election results (available from the Mc Intosh County Auditor and Secretary of State), candidate filing information, campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees (searchable at the Secretary of State's website), and basic voter list information though the state's unique lack of voter registration means such lists are less than in other states. Under North Dakota Century Code 16.1-13, the central voter file contains limited information and has privacy protections, but summary voter statistics are public records.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 6.5/10, McIntosh County provides reasonable access to public records through the county courthouse in Ashley, with state databases offering strong business and election transparency, though property records and local arrest information require in-person or phone contact with limited online accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Lehr, Mcintosh 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 Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Lehr, Mcintosh 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 Lehr police department or the Mcintosh County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota Library?
The Lehr Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Mcintosh County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Lehr Public Library serves residents of Lehr and the surrounding Mcintosh County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Mcintosh County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Lehr, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Mcintosh County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Lehr Police Department or Mcintosh County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Lehr, Mcintosh County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Lehr, Mcintosh 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 Mcintosh 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 Lehr, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Lehr, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Mcintosh 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 Lehr, contact the Mcintosh County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Lehr, North Dakota?
Property records for Lehr, North Dakota are maintained by the Mcintosh County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Mcintosh County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Mcintosh County, including parcels in Lehr. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Mcintosh 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 Mcintosh County offices at the county courthouse. The Mcintosh County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lehr, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Lehr, 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 Mcintosh County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Mcintosh 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 Lehr, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Lehr, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Lehr town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Lehr limits. Mcintosh 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 Lehr, contact the Lehr clerk's office and the Mcintosh County economic development office.