About Ray

Notable landmarks in Ray include the Ray Community Center, which hosts various events and recreational activities, and the Ray Public Library, which offers educational resources to residents. The city is also home to the Ray School District, which provides educational services to the local youth. The nearby Lake Sakakawea offers recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, attracting visitors to the area. Historically, Ray was established in the early 20th century and has seen significant growth due to the oil boom in the Bakken formation.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Ray

Ray Police Department

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY- CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY RAY POLICE NON EMERGENCY WILLIAMS COUNTY DISPATCH 701.568-2200 701.713.3355

https://www.raynd.com/services/police_department.php

Williams County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Verlan Kvande Chief Deputy Kevin Simmons The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Williams County. Our purpose, within jurisdiction boundaries, is to prevent crimes, preserve the peace, protect life.

https://www.williamsnd.com/departments/sheriff/

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Ray

North Dakota Court System - Ray

How Do I · North Dakota Supreme Court · 600 E Boulevard Ave Bismarck, ND 58505-0530 · District Courts · Municipal Courts · About Us · Contact Us · Jobs With Us · Privacy Statement · Disclaimer

🔗 https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/ray

🏠 Property & Public Records in Ray

Williams County Recorder

Property records for Ray, North Dakota are maintained by the Williams County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Williams County, including Ray.

🔗 https://williamscountynd.gov

Public Records & Services in Ray

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Ray, Williams County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Williams County school administration or the North Dakota Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Ray, Williams County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Williams County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Ray police department or the Williams County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Ray Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Williams County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Ray, North Dakota residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Williams County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Ray Police Department or the Williams County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The North Dakota Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Ray North — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Williams County Correctional Center in Williston serves as Williams County's primary detention facility. When someone is arrested anywhere in Williams County, they're brought here for booking, photographed, and fingerprinted. The facility maintains an inmate lookup service on its website, giving the public access to information about current detainees. Visitation requires scheduling appointments and following strict guidelines set by the facility.

Arrest Records

The Williams County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them directly from the Sheriff's Office by following procedures outlined under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. These records typically show the arrest date, charges, and any related court proceedings. The process balances transparency and public access with individual privacy protections.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Williams County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Williams 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's services are accessible to the public, for openness and aiding in employment and housing decisions. The state's system allows for thorough checks while maintaining the integrity of individual privacy rights.

Vital Records

The Ray Public Schools district serves the educational needs of the community, and its website can be found at http://www.ray.k12.nd.us/. The district provides primary and secondary education for students in Ray and the surrounding areas.

Business & Licensing Records

Ray supports a variety of local businesses and commercial activities that serve residents and the surrounding area. The city's website and other online resources provide information about the local economy, major employers, and business development opportunities If you want the community's business scene.

Economy & Demographics

Ray's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, energy, and related industries. The city's website and local economic development organizations can be consulted for more detailed information about the city's major employers, economic trends, and business opportunities.

Elections & Voter Records

The Williams County Auditor's Office is the election authority for Ray voters and everyone else across Williams County. Located at 206 West Broadway, Williston, ND 58801, the office can be reached at (701) 577-4505, with election details posted at www.williamscountynd.gov. North Dakota stands alone among states in not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents simply present valid identification at their polling place on election day, or provide supplementary documentation if they lack ID.
Accepted forms include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care facility ID. Without these, voters can present current utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or government checks showing name and current address, then sign an affidavit confirming eligibility. Ray is an unincorporated community without municipal government, so there are no city council, mayoral, or local municipal elections here. Residents participate in county, state, and federal elections only. Williams County elections cover county commission seats, sheriff, state's attorney, auditor, treasurer, recorder, and other county offices, typically on four-year cycles with different offices up in different election years. To locate their assigned polling place, Ray residents contact the Williams County Auditor's Office or check the Williams County website as election dates approach. Polling places follow precinct boundaries, and area voters typically cast ballots at a designated location within their precinct, perhaps a community center, school, or other public facility. The U.S. Senate Class III seat appears on the ballot, as the state's senior Senate seat is up for election that year.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Ray voters are published by the North Dakota Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections). County offices on four-year terms expiring in 2026 will also appear. Voters should monitor the Williams County Auditor's website and the North Dakota Secretary of State's election portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov for candidate filings, ballot measures, and sample ballots as the election approaches. North Dakota offers absentee voting for those unable to vote in person on election day. Applications can be obtained from the Williams County Auditor's Office and must be submitted according to statutory deadlines, typically by a specific number of days before the election. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail or delivered in person to the Auditor's Office. North Dakota law makes certain election records public, including precinct-level results, campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees searchable at the Secretary of State's website, and candidate filing information. Because there's no voter registration system, the state doesn't maintain publicly searchable voter lists like most other states. Election transparency in Williams County is generally strong, with results posted promptly after elections and historical data available through county and state websites.
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Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Ray, 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 Ray, contact the Williams County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Ray, North Dakota are maintained by the Williams County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Williams County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Williams County, including parcels in Ray. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Williams 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 Williams County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Ray, 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 Williams County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Williams 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.