BISMARCK, ND – 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.
"Every election depends on the dedication of real people. This includes county auditors getting up before the sun rises and working late into the night, public servants who help coordinate election logistics, poll workers greeting voters with a smile at 7 AM, and policymakers who craft the laws that ensure the integrity of our elections," said Secretary Howe. "These are our neighbors and our community members who step up when it matters most. The Election Hero Award gives us a chance to say thank you to the people who ensure every North Dakota voter can have their voice heard through safe, secure, accurate, and timely elections."
Nominations can be submitted online through October 8, 2025 at sos.nd.gov/electionhero. The North Dakota Election Hero Award will be presented in November.
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.
The North Dakota Election Hero Award was started in 2023. Past recipients include:
- 2023 Kari Phillips, Langdon, ND
- 2024 North Dakota County Auditors Association
News Release PDF - Secretary Howe Seeks Nominations for Election Hero Award