Scranton Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Scranton, North Dakota government websites.
About Scranton, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Scranton, North Dakota, is the Scranton City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of three years. The current council members include Mayor John D. Huber and council members Brian H. Huber, John R. Kuntz, Mary L. Kuntz, and Michael J. Budget details and financial records are available through official city records or by contacting local government offices. Council meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Key landmarks in Scranton include the Scranton Community Center, which is a hub for local events and gatherings, and the historic St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a significant site for the local Catholic community. The city is part of the larger Badlands region, which attracts tourists interested in exploring the unique geological formations and wildlife. Economically, Scranton has a strong agricultural base, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching. The city is also known for its annual events, such as the Scranton Rodeo, which highlights the area's cowboy culture and draws visitors from surrounding regions.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Bowman County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement across the county includes municipal police departments like the Bowman Police Department. These agencies operate within their city limits, coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and broader safety initiatives. The Bowman department focuses on local enforcement duties, traffic stops, and community policing within Bowman itself, while the Sheriff's Office handles countywide responsibilities that extend to areas like Scranton and the surrounding region.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Bowman County Detention Center is the primary facility For people arrested and awaiting trial or serving short sentences. During booking, detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information is recorded. Family members and attorneys can locate current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the Sheriff's Office. The facility maintains specific visitation rules, generally requiring advance scheduling. North Dakota's bond and bail system allows for pretrial release, and detention center staff can provide details on posting bail for those held at the facility.
Arrest Records
The Bowman County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the nature of offenses, arresting officers, and booking information. Residents and legal representatives can request copies by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, these records are generally available to the public, though certain restrictions protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy. Typical arrest records include the person's name, arrest date, charges filed, and scheduled court appearances.
Court Records
The Bowman County Courthouse (http://www.bowmancounty.org/courts.html) maintains court records for Scranton, North Dakota and the surrounding area. Civil and criminal case files, probate matters, and juvenile court records are housed here. Those seeking access can visit the courthouse in person or submit a request through the Clerk of Court's Office to obtain the documents they need.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bowman County cover a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. The Bowman County Sheriff's Office and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Bureau, which provides criminal history reports. The North Dakota Bureau of Investigation offers services to Bowman County residents for accessing statewide criminal records, so that individuals and businesses can obtain necessary information for employment or other purposes.
Public Records Access
Public records for Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota are available through the Bowman County Recorder's Office (http://www.bowmancounty.org/recorder.html). The office keeps records of property deeds, mortgages, vital statistics, and other official documents. Residents and interested parties can search for and obtain copies by visiting the office in person, submitting requests online, or arranging delivery by mail.
Vital Records
The Bowman County Recorder's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records for Scranton, North Dakota, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Individuals can request copies of these records by completing the appropriate forms and submitting them to the office, either in person, by mail, or online (https://www.vitalchek.com/north-dakota-vital records).
Business & Licensing Records
The Bowman County Auditor's Office (http://www.bowmancounty.org/auditor.html) manages business related public records for Scranton, North Dakota, including business licenses, trade names, and other commercial registrations. Entrepreneurs and business owners can contact the office for obtain necessary information and forms for establishing and operating companies in the area.
Economy & Demographics
Scranton, North Dakota's economy is largely driven by the agricultural industry, with a significant portion of the population employed in farming and ranching. Public records related to the local economy, such as property tax assessments, business permits, and economic development initiatives, can be obtained from the Bowman County Auditor's Office and the Scranton City Hall.
Elections & Voter Records
The Bowman County Auditor administers election services for Scranton voters, overseeing all aspects of the electoral process. Located at 104 1st Street NW, Bowman, ND 58623, the office can be reached at (701) 523-3160. Staff handle voter registration assistance, absentee voting, polling place assignments, candidate filings for county offices, and election administration for federal, state, and county races affecting residents. North Dakota stands alone among states in not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents simply present valid identification at their polling place on Election Day.
Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, nondriver identification card, or tribal government-issued ID showing current name, current North Dakota address, and date of birth. Those who recently moved can update their address at the polls. This same-day ID system eliminates registration deadlines entirely. The North Dakota Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov provides additional details. Because Scranton is unincorporated without municipal government, there are no mayoral or city council elections here. Residents participate in county, state, and federal contests instead. Bowman County elections typically feature County Commissioner seats on staggered terms, County Sheriff, County Auditor, State's Attorney, and other county positions. These races generally appear on June primary and November general election ballots in even-numbered years. Voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting the Bowman County Auditor at (701) 523-3160 or checking https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Rural precincts throughout Bowman County are assigned based on boundary lines, and Scranton-area voters typically cast ballots at a designated location nearby or may travel to Bowman depending on their precinct assignment. The November 2024 presidential election saw Bowman County turnout consistent with North Dakota's strong rural participation rates, typically exceeding 60% of eligible voters. Like most of southwestern North Dakota, the county traditionally favors Republican candidates in federal and state contests. Looking to the November 3, 2026 general election, Scranton and Bowman County voters will decide several key races. North Dakota's U.S. Senate seat (Class III) is not up in 2026; the next Senate election comes in 2028. However, North Dakota's single U.S. House seat will be on the ballot. The Governor's race will also appear, as governors serve four-year terms with the next election in 2026. State legislative races for North Dakota House and Senate districts covering the county will be decided, along with various county offices including potential County Commissioner seats depending on term expirations. Residents should check with the County Auditor in early 2026 for confirmed candidate lists and local ballot measures. North Dakota offers absentee voting for those absent from their precinct on Election Day, unable to vote at their polling place due to illness or disability, or meeting other qualifying reasons. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Bowman County Auditor's office and must be submitted by deadline, typically 3:00 PM the day before the election for mail ballots. The Auditor's office at (701) 523-3160 can provide specific deadline information and request forms. Election records public in North Dakota include precinct-level results available from the County Auditor and posted at https://results.sos.nd.gov, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports for state and local candidates filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Because the state maintains no voter registration lists, there is no voter file to request as exists elsewhere. However, polling place rosters showing who voted - but not how they voted - are public records after elections conclude.
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, Bowman County provides good access through North Dakota's statewide court portal and business database, though local property and law enforcement records require direct county contact, typical for rural North Dakota counties with limited digital infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Scranton, Bowman 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 Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Scranton, Bowman 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 Scranton police department or the Bowman County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota Library?
The Scranton Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Bowman County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Scranton Public Library serves residents of Scranton and the surrounding Bowman County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Bowman County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Scranton, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Bowman County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Scranton Police Department or Bowman County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Scranton, Bowman 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 Bowman 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 Scranton, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Scranton, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Bowman 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 Scranton, contact the Bowman County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Scranton, North Dakota?
Property records for Scranton, North Dakota are maintained by the Bowman County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Bowman County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Bowman County, including parcels in Scranton. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Bowman 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 Bowman County offices at the county courthouse. The Bowman County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Scranton, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Scranton, 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 Bowman County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Bowman 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 Scranton, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Scranton, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Scranton town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Scranton limits. Bowman 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 Scranton, contact the Scranton clerk's office and the Bowman County economic development office.