Ballot Atlas

Map › North Dakota › Michael Howe

Michael Howe

Republican candidate for Secretary of State, North Dakota · Incumbent

North Dakota Secretary of State (incumbent); farmer and managing partner of Howe Seed Farms

Michael Howe is a Republican and the current North Dakota Secretary of State. He has held the office since January 1, 2023, after winning the 2022 general election with 63.2% of the vote. He ran unopposed in the June 9, 2026 Republican primary and is seeking re-election against Democratic-NPL nominee Ryan Braunberger.

Where Howe stands

Election security
Says North Dakota's elections are secure, free and fair. Points to proof of citizenship and voter attestation requirements, and notes that anyone caught lying about eligibility can be prosecuted.
Noncitizen voting
Says it is "highly, highly unlikely" that ineligible people vote. Argues the only way it could happen is an administrative error at the Department of Transportation, because ineligible residents are flagged at polling place check-in.
Voter data sharing with the federal government
Says North Dakota's voter file has not been shared with the Department of Homeland Security and that the department has not asked the state for it.
Campaign finance disclosure
In 2023 testimony on SB 2312, called tracing the true source of funds from contributors through to subcontributors unworkable. Asked how nonprofits, churches and businesses could identify the original donors.
Business climate
Says he will work to keep North Dakota a strong place to do business by continuing to cut red tape and supporting a pro-business environment.

Background

In the news

Also running for Secretary of State

Sources

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.

Get ballot reminders by email

Key dates and a short, neutral rundown of your ballot. Free, no ads, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy