The North Dakota Election Hero Award celebrates the importance of election teams, poll workers, and policymakers 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.
Award Recipients
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.
- Read News Story: Secretary Howe Selects North Dakota’s First Ever Election Hero
Nomination Criteria
Heroes can be election administrators, policy makers, state or county employees, or election workers.
Nominees must meet at least one 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.
The submission deadline for 2024 nominations has passed. Watch for a nomination announcement for the 2025 award in October.