News

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe is excited to announce the launch of the "I Voted - More Than Just a Sticker” statewide design contest that invites North Dakotans of all ages to create the next official "I Voted" sticker. The contest is part of the Office of the Secretary of State's efforts to encourage North Dakotans to become more civically involved in decisions that impact them, their families, and neighbors. The winning sticker will make its debut at polling locations across the state during the June 9, 2026, Primary Election.

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe is seeking nominations for the 2025 North Dakota Election Hero Award. This honor celebrates the importance of election teams, poll workers, policymakers, and other individuals and groups who support the administration of North Dakota’s elections.

The Office of the Secretary of State has updated the Charitable Organization Annual Report form financial information requirements in an effort to simplify filings and streamline processes. Charitable organizations must file the annual report on or before September 1 of each year. 

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has determined that a recent request to fill a vacancy created in District 25 due to the death of Representative Cynthia Schreiber-Beck is not from an organized committee representing the district. According to information gained from the North Dakota Republican Party (NDGOP), District 25 has yet to formally organize, invalidating the requested appointment letter. 

March 26, 2025 Update from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) - FinCEN has issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act.

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe warns businesses and nonprofits to be aware of misleading letters offering to file annual reports on their behalf. The senders may appear to be working with the North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State and the letters may look like a bill, ask for hefty fees, and/or express a sense of urgency. 

Legislators, lobbyists, the Capitol Press corps, and state executive elected officials participated in the Capitol Classic basketball shoot-out today to raise over $24,000 for Special Olympics North Dakota. The executive elected officials defeated seven other teams to win the coveted Capitol Classic Trophy. 

Secretary of State Michael Howe announced today that a proposed petition to initiate a constitutional measure was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State for review and approval to circulate. The proposed constitutional initiative relates to public records, legislative salaries, and lobbying. 

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has approved the format of a petition to initiate a statutory measure on the ballot related to vehicle window tinting. Proponents now have until February 24, 2026, one year after notice of approval, to collect signatures and submit them to the Office of the Secretary of State for review.

A proposed petition for a constitutional initiative related to public records, legislative salaries, and lobbying has been withdrawn by the sponsoring committee on Monday February 10, 2025. The proposed petition was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State on February 7, 2025 for review and approval to circulate.