City Council Work Session Date: April 14, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
Title
2026 Absentee/Early Voting, Primary Election and General Election Update
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council will receive an update from the City Clerk regarding the 2026 Elections including absentee/early voting and Primary Election and General Election information. Staff is seeking City Council input on aligning absentee/early voting hours with Rice County.
Summary Report:
This report provides an overview of key dates and logistics for the 2026 election cycle, including candidate filing, primary and general election absentee/early voting periods, and proposed absentee/early voting hours (attachment #1). Staff is seeking City Council input on aligning absentee/early voting hours with Rice County.
The City Clerk's Office will administer the 2026 election cycle, which includes candidate filing, the state primary election, and the state general election. The City Clerk's Office is responsible for coordinating election activities, including absentee/early voting, staffing, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
Candidate filing will occur from May 19 through June 2, 2026, at the City Clerk's Office. Filing packets will be posted online the week prior to filings being open. The following elected positions will be open for filing:
* Council Member At-Large
* Council Member Ward 1
* Council Member Ward 4
The state primary election will be held on August 11, 2026. Absentee/early voting will be open from June 26 through August 10, 2026 in the 2nd Floor Training Room. The pre-registration deadline for the state primary election is July 21, 2026. If residents do not register before this date, they are able to register at the polling place on election day.
Staff proposes the following absentee/early voting hours for both the State Primary and State General Elections (attachment #2):
* Monday t...
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