Otter Tail County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 38 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Who is running for County Commissioner, County Sheriff and County Attorney and more, and where they stand on public safety, the budget and taxes. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11.
Who won in Otter Tail County? Minnesota answers on November 19.
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported winners in 5 of 38 races on this page; Minnesota certifies on November 19. Winners appear here the day the state certifies.
Minnesota election officeNov 3 Votes were cast and countedBy Nov 11 Otter Tail County double-checks its countNov 19 Minnesota makes it officialHow results become official
What local news is reporting
Not official yetUpdated November 4, 2026One line per race on this page, each cited to the outlet that reported it. We do not call races. Official running count: Minnesota election office.
Reports are checked daily until Minnesota certifies on November 19; a certified winner replaces the report on that day.
County offices
Commissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Jim Stewart · Stephen Springer
Jim Stewart
All that could be confirmed here is a 2026 candidate filing for Otter Tail County Commissioner District 4. No occupation, platform or campaign site was verifiable from an official or campaign source within this review. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Jim Stewart.
Stephen Springer
No campaign site or verifiable biography could be found from an official source, so this profile is deliberately short. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Stephen Springer.
Jim Stewart and Stephen Springer advanced from the August 11 nonpartisan primary with about 42 and 31 percent, eliminating Robert (Bob) Lahman and Roger D. Walvatne, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's certified results; the top two meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageCommissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Jeff Gontarek · Wayne D. Johnson
Jeff Gontarek and Wayne D. Johnson were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Commissioner District 2.
Jeff Gontarek
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Fiscal accountability and property taxes
- Strong rural communities
- Public safety and accountability
About Jeff Gontarek
Jeff Gontarek has lived in Otter Tail County since 1975 and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1985, per the campaign site. The campaign site says he spent more than 30 years in public service, including over 25 years with Otter Tail County as a correctional officer, water patrol officer, community service specialist and DWI Court surveillance and training officer, and now works in real estate.
Wayne D. Johnson
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Investing in roads, bridges, and infrastructure
- Supporting public safety and emergency services
- Growing the local economy and workforce and expanding housing opportunities
About Wayne D. Johnson
Wayne D. Johnson is the incumbent Otter Tail County Commissioner for District 2 and serves as the board's Vice Chair, per Fergus Now, which reported his 2024 Transportation Advocate Award. He filed for another term in 2026 against Jeff Gontarek and Kyle Lehmann.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Terry Frost · Reed Reinbold
Terry Frost and Reed Reinbold were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Sheriff.
Terry Frost
Frost is running to succeed retiring Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons in an open race for Otter Tail County Sheriff, per the Perham Focus. He is a sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard who has completed multiple overseas deployments and is a New York Mills graduate. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Reed Reinbold
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Leadership, accountability and public trust in the sheriff's office
- Strengthening technology and infrastructure, including the department's body-worn camera program
- Professionalism and training for all office staff
About Reed Reinbold
The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy, SWAT commander and deputy emergency manager, with 23 years as a licensed Minnesota peace officer and more than 21 years at the department, per Valley News Live.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Michelle Marie Eldien
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Michelle Marie Eldien
Michelle Marie Eldien appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Michelle Marie Eldien.
Michelle Marie Eldien is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Michael Leeser
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Michael Leeser
Michael Leeser is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court September 3, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Clay County attorney, 2014-2024, and former president of the Clay County Bar Association, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michael Leeser is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Nonpartisan race · Matthew E. Engelking
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Matthew E. Engelking
Matthew E. Engelking is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on July 22, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief of the juvenile division and senior attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Matthew E. Engelking is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 9Nonpartisan race · Michelle Winkis Lawson
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Michelle Winkis Lawson
Michelle Winkis Lawson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Becker County District Court Nov. 14, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously chief assistant and interim Clay County Attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Winkis Lawson is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Andrew Pearson
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew Pearson is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Stearns County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 1, 2013, and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a Seventh District public defender, 1999-2007, and an attorney at Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Andrew Pearson is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Kevin M. Miller
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Kevin M. Miller
Kevin M. Miller is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Otter Tail County District Court May 7, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Becker County attorney and owner of the Miller Law Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Kevin M. Miller is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Michelle Clark
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Michelle Clark
Michelle Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Douglas County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 21, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Douglas County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Michelle Clark is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 14Nonpartisan race · Meriel Lester
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Meriel Lester
Meriel Lester is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court September 12, 2025, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously assistant chief of the domestic violence unit and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Meriel Lester is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Ole Tvedten
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Ole Tvedten
Ole Tvedten is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed September 9, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously criminal division chief and an assistant attorney in the Stearns County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Ole Tvedten is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 21Nonpartisan race · Robert J. Raupp
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Robert J. Raupp
Robert J. Raupp is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court June 3, 2013, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney, 2000-2013, and first assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Robert J. Raupp is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Doug Clark
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Doug Clark
Doug Clark is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Wadena County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Nov. 29, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney and supervising attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Doug Clark is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 24Nonpartisan race · Karl L. Schmidt
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Karl L. Schmidt
Karl L. Schmidt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Benton County District Court on July 29, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Benton County Attorney and senior assistant Benton County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Karl L. Schmidt is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 26Nonpartisan race · Mark J. Herzing
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Mark J. Herzing
Mark J. Herzing is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Mille Lacs County District Court Feb. 1, 2019, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Mille Lacs County attorney and a teacher and coach in the Cambridge-Isanti and Milaca school districts, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Mark J. Herzing is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 27Nonpartisan race · Tammy L. Merkins
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Tammy L. Merkins
Tammy L. Merkins is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on June 1, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Becker County Attorney and a partner at Thorwaldsen, Malmstrom, Sorum, Majors & Merkins, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Tammy L. Merkins is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 28Nonpartisan race · Antoinette C. Wetzel
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Antoinette C. Wetzel
Antoinette C. Wetzel is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Morrison County District Court July 23, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously ran the Wetzel Law Firm and served as a qualified neutral mediator and city attorney for Royalton and Little Falls, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Antoinette C. Wetzel is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageJudge, Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court, Seat 30Nonpartisan race · Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt
Jade M. Rosenfeldt is a judge of the Minnesota 7th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Clay County District Court by Governor Tim Walz on November 1, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a shareholder attorney at Vogel Law Firm, 2008-2019, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jade M. Rosenfeldt is the only name on the ballot for this seat; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected, so the race is on the November 3, 2026 ballot but is not contested. Minnesota's 7th Judicial District covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties; judges are elected at large across the whole district, so every voter there, not just voters in one county, votes on this seat. Minnesota judicial elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality, with no runoff. Listed from the Secretary of State's certified general-election candidate table.
Full race pageDistricts and boards
Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (East)Nonpartisan race · Ed Delaney · Alisyn Keil
Ed Delaney and Alisyn Keil were on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (East).
Ed Delaney
Ed Delaney appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (East), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Ed Delaney.
Alisyn Keil
Alisyn Keil appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (East), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Alisyn Keil.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (East), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 3 (East)Nonpartisan race · Lyle E. Dittmann
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Lyle E. Dittmann
Lyle E. Dittmann appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3 (East), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for Lyle E. Dittmann.
Lyle E. Dittmann is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 3 (East), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 1 (West)Nonpartisan race · David L. Johnson
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
David L. Johnson
David L. Johnson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1 (West), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the Secretary of State's candidate filing is the only verifiable source for David L. Johnson.
David L. Johnson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1 (West), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 2 (West)Nonpartisan race · Richard E. Drevlow
Unopposed on the November 3 ballot.
Richard E. Drevlow
Richard Drevlow, known as Rick, serves as Treasurer and District II supervisor for the West Otter Tail County Soil and Water Conservation District, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Richard E. Drevlow is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Otter Tail County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2 (West), per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Otter Tail County is split across 2 Minnesota House districts.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota House: 2 districtsDistricts 9A, 9B
Minnesota House District 9ANicholas Hanson (D) · Jeff Backer (R)
Nicholas Hanson
Nicholas Hanson signed a pledge supporting congressional term limits as a candidate for Minnesota House District 9A, according to U.S. Term Limits. No occupation, campaign website or additional attributed biographical detail was found for him as of this research pass. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Jeff Backer
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Providing law enforcement and first responders with needed equipment and resources
- Reducing unnecessary government spending and lowering taxes
- Returning control over education decisions to local communities and parents
About Jeff Backer
Backer co-founded a small business that now employs about twenty people and previously served as mayor of his city, where he managed city resources and kept taxes low, per the campaign site. He also volunteered as an EMT for more than twenty years with the Browns Valley Ambulance Service and currently serves as a state representative, per the campaign site.
Nicholas Hanson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Jeff Backer (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 9A; Jeff Backer is the sitting member, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota House District 9BOwen Werner (D) · Tom Murphy (R)
Owen Werner
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Focuses on issues affecting the working class rather than divisive cultural debates
- Emphasizes bringing constituent concerns directly to the Capitol
About Owen Werner
Owen Werner of Perham graduated from Perham High School in 2020 and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Hamline University in 2024, according to the Perham Focus. He works as an accountant for KLN Family Brands and is the DFL candidate for House District 9B.
Tom Murphy
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Supporting agriculture and area businesses
- Backing law enforcement and election integrity
- Protecting parental rights
About Tom Murphy
Murphy grew up on a dairy farm in Scott County and holds a marketing degree from Mankato State University, per the campaign site. He spent eight years in agricultural sales before he and his wife built a dairy supply business they ran for 26 years, and he now owns MinStart Ag Products while serving as a Maine Township supervisor, per the campaign site.
Owen Werner (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Tom Murphy (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 9B; Tom Murphy is the sitting member, per the Minnesota House of Representatives's official member directory (house.mn.gov). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMinnesota Senate District 9Jordan Rasmusson (R) · Krystyne M. Knutson (D)
Jordan Rasmusson
Top priorities
From the campaign site
- Supports controlling state spending and taxes
- Supports farmers, small business owners and entrepreneurs and school choice
About Jordan Rasmusson
Jordan Rasmusson has served as the State Senator for Minnesota Senate District 9 since being elected in 2022, and previously served in the Minnesota House from 2021 to 2023, per his campaign site. Rasmusson is the sixth generation of his family to live in Otter Tail County and graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, per his campaign site.
Krystyne M. Knutson
Krystyne Knutson owns Soapy Puppy Bed and Biscuit in Fergus Falls, per the Fergus Falls Journal. In 2021 she founded SAGA Youth, a nonprofit aiming to create an inclusive space for LGBTQ community members in Fergus Falls, according to Fergus Now. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jordan Rasmusson (Republican), Krystyne M. Knutson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 9; Jordan Rasmusson is the sitting member, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageBallot questions
10 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Otter Tail County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 23 (Frazee-Vergas Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $993.83 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $993.83 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of School District Bond IssueIndependent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools) · Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $33,805,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of an elementary school addition; renovations and upgrades to science rooms and career and….
Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $33,805,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of an elementary school addition; renovations and upgrades to science rooms and career and….
School District Question 1: School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…Independent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public School) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $194.58 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,683.10 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 2: School District Question 2 Approval of School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 2889 (Lake Park Audubon Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $600 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 545 (Henning Public School) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $535 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $2,180 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $535 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $2,180 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 549 (Perham-Dent Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $1,135 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $1,135 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of School Building Bonds; New Capital Project Levy AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 553 (New York Mills) · Would authorize the school board to issue up to $22,160,000 in school building bonds and adopt a capital project levy of 2.7102% of net tax capacity to fund school facility and capital projects described in the ballot question.
Would authorize the school board to issue up to $22,160,000 in school building bonds and adopt a capital project levy of 2.7102% of net tax capacity to fund school facility and capital projects described in the ballot question.
School District Question 2: Approval of School Building BondsIndependent School District No. 553 (New York Mills) · Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $2,600,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and repurposing of the existing media center; replacement of the auditorium sound system,….
Would authorize the school board to issue general obligation school building bonds of up to $2,600,000 for betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, remodeling and repurposing of the existing media center; replacement of the auditorium sound system,….
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorizations; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 852 (Campbell-Tintah) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $1,283.17 per pupil and $1,045.89 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $5,229.06 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $1,283.17 per pupil and $1,045.89 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $5,229.06 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 2: Approval of Capital Project Levy AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 852 (Campbell-Tintah) · Would let the school board adopt a new capital project levy authorization of .78692% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
Would let the school board adopt a new capital project levy authorization of .78692% of the district's net tax capacity to fund technology, curriculum, transportation and facility maintenance costs.
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
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Who was on the ballot in Otter Tail County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Otter Tail County sample ballot 2026: see where the candidates stand on public safety, the budget and taxes. Reported results as of Nov 4; certified Nov 19. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When was the 2026 general election in Minnesota?
Election Day was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Certified results will appear on this page as Minnesota election offices certify them; voting information for Minnesota is on the Minnesota election hub. Minnesota certifies the general election by November 19, 2026; county canvasses are due November 11. Minnesota election hub →
What ballot questions are on the Otter Tail County ballot?
10 ballot questions: Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approval of School District Bond Issue; School District Question 1 Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving…; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
Who won in Otter Tail County?
As of November 4, 2026, local outlets reported: Peggy Flanagan won U.S. Senate (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Amy Klobuchar won Governor (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Keith Ellison won Attorney General (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Steve Simon won Secretary of State (Pioneer Press, Nov 4); Zack Filipovich won Auditor (MPR News, Nov 3). Results are unofficial until Minnesota certifies them on November 19. We do not call races.
Which Otter Tail County ballot questions passed?
Not yet reported by the outlets we checked; Minnesota certifies on November 19. We do not call results.
How do I see my exact Otter Tail County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Otter Tail County20 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Oct 24, 2026 from official election sources.