City Council Meeting Date: November 10, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
Subject:
TITLE
Approve Abstract of Votes Cast at the November 3, 2026 General Election.
BODY
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is being asked to adopt the attached resolution approving the abstract of votes cast at the November 3, 2026 City General Election.
Summary Report:
Minnesota Statutes, Section 205.185, subdivision 3, requires the City Council to serve as the municipal canvassing board, review the election returns, and declare the successful candidates elected and the results of any municipal ballot questions. The General Election is being held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. City staff will receive the abstract of votes from both Dakota and Rice Counties prior to the meeting and will send out the information in a Supplemental Memo. The draft resolution is attached and will be updated at that time also.
In serving as the canvassing board, Council performs a ministerial duty: reviewing the official returns and formally declaring the results established by those returns. Approval certifies the election results; it does not express Council’s support for any candidate or ballot-question outcome.
Alternative Options:
Council has a mandatory obligation to complete the canvass and declare the results. A failed approval motion would leave that obligation incomplete; it would not overturn the election or authorize a new election. A refusal to perform the required duty could result in court action compelling the canvassing board to act. Any unresolved concerns about the returns should be addressed promptly with the City Clerk and City Attorney so the canvass can be completed within the statutory deadline.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
• State law requires the canvass to occur between the third and 14th days following the election. For the November 3, 2026 election, that period is November 6-17. The Legislature extended this deadline from 10 to 14 days in 2026.
• Following the canvass, the City Clerk certifies the results to the county auditor. Certificates of election are issued to successful candidates after the election-contest period has expired or, if a contest is filed, after the court determines its outcome.