Election Hero Award

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Senator Kristin Roers Receives 2025 Election Hero Award!

District 27 Senator Kristin Roers of Fargo was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Election Hero Award in recognition of her outstanding service to North Dakota citizens, notably for her support of their elections. 

Secretary Howe presented the award virtually to Senator Roers on National Election Hero Day (November 3, 2025). He expressed gratitude for her support of North Dakota's elections and shared comments from the nomination.

Senator Roers was nominated by McKenzie County Auditor/Treasurer Erica Johnsrud, and here are some of the comments she shared:

"There are so many people worthy of receiving the prestigious Election Hero Award, however for me this year one person rises to the top - North Dakota District 27 Senator Kristin Roers. In one of her many roles in State Government, Senator Roers has chaired the State and Local Government Committee since it was established in the 2023 Legislative Session. This committee is tasked with a wide variety of topics, including elections. 

Senator Roers knows and understands the importance of free and fair elections and has taken it upon herself to gather and experience true election procedures, laws, and information. Senator Roers has served as a North Dakota election official at every level and in every capacity, whether that be Election Day, Absentee, or Early Vote Polling Locations. 

In addition to her election worker duties, Senator Roers has been a constant and steadfast supporter of State and Local Election Officials in her role as a Legislator. Senator Roers knows and understands election law and procedures, having experienced them first-hand in real, live elections and through demonstrations. Having testified myself in front of the State and Local Government Committee, I have witnessed her ability to challenge and correct misinformation, ensure good policies are adopted, and willingness to work through difficult issues to make North Dakota elections even more secure than they are today. Senator Roers is an election champion for the State of North Dakota and is willing to have the conversations to ensure North Dakota elections remain the best and most secure in the Nation, ensuring every qualified citizen is able to cast their ballot and have their voice heard, no matter the final outcome of any given race or question."

 

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The North Dakota Election Hero Award celebrates the importance of election teams, poll workers, policymakers, and other individuals and groups who support the administration of North Dakota's elections.

“It takes the dedication of many county auditors, election managers, poll workers, state leaders, election staff, and others to help run North Dakota’s elections. The Election Hero Award provides an opportunity to recognize these critical members of our communities who work hard to uphold the integrity of our elections and ensure voters can safely and successfully cast their ballots,” said Secretary Howe.

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Past Award Recipients

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The North Dakota County Auditors Association was nominated by North Dakota Elections Director Erika White. In her nomination remarks, White highlighted the integral work that county auditors and their staff do to ensure that elections are run securely and with integrity. The North Dakota County Auditors Association helps the 53 county auditors in North Dakota keep up to date with changing methods of administration and with laws affecting their offices, including those related to elections.  

Kari Phillips was nominated by Cavalier County Auditor Lisa Gellner, who highlighted her 20 years of service to county elections. Gellner stated that Phillips enthusiasm is contagious and her extensive election knowledge “creates an awesome election team” that help the voters of Cavalier County. Phillips began her service as a poll worker in 2004 and has served both as a clerk and inspector. 

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Nomination Criteria

There are many election heroes throughout our communities such as election administrators, policymakers, state or county employees, election workers, etc. Nominees should fulfill one or more of the following criteria:

  • Serves in the election field and has assisted with an election in the last four (4) years.
  • Acts as a champion in fostering public awareness of election processes and strengthens partnerships within the election community.
  • Develops and enhances election operations for election workers and voters through policy, processes, or best practices.
  • Promotes secure, accurate, fair, and open elections through effective collaboration and communication with election stakeholders.
  • Is dedicated to conducting excellent elections, providing customer service, and demonstrating integrity in their work.
  • Shows a desire to improve election processes through engagement with election stakeholders and continuing education in the election field.
  • Shares accurate information surrounding election laws, best practices, and processes in their community. 

Nomination Form

The submission period for the 2025 Election Hero Award has closed.

Information you will need to complete the nomination form

Nominee information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone
  • Email (optional)
  • County that nominee works elections in, or the organization nominee works with related to elections
  • Description of why the person should be honored as an election hero

Your name/email (as person nominating)