Chippewa County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
18 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 14 Chippewa County races, led by the Chippewa County Commissioner District 1 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 1Nonpartisan race · Matt Gilbertson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matt Gilbertson Nonpartisan Incumbent
Matt Gilbertson serves as the District 1 County Commissioner for Chippewa County, first elected as a nonpartisan candidate in 2022, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Matt Gilbertson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Commissioner District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 5Nonpartisan race · David Lieser
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
David Lieser Nonpartisan
David Lieser appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Commissioner District 5, 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 Lieser.
David Lieser is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Commissioner District 5, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Derek Olson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Derek Olson Nonpartisan
Derek Olson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Sheriff, 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 Derek Olson.
Derek Olson is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Matthew Haugen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew Haugen Nonpartisan Incumbent
Matthew Haugen is the incumbent Chippewa County Attorney and also serves as Assistant Montevideo City Attorney, per the county directory. In 2026 his office referred a criminal case to the state Attorney General's office, which won convictions at trial. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Matthew Haugen is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 8th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Stephanie L. Beckman
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Stephanie L. Beckman Nonpartisan
Stephanie L. Beckman is a judge of the Minnesota 8th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Meeker County District Court December 12, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Meeker County Attorney, 2006-2012, and served as Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge, 2021-2026, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Stephanie L. Beckman 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 8th Judicial District covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine 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 8th Judicial District Court, Seat 4Nonpartisan race · Melissa Listug
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Melissa Listug Nonpartisan
Melissa Listug is a judge of the Minnesota 8th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Pope County District Court Nov. 7, 2018, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney at Littler Mendelson, P.C. and at Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Melissa Listug 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 8th Judicial District covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine 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 8th Judicial District Court, Seat 7Nonpartisan race · Laurence J. Stratton
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Laurence J. Stratton Nonpartisan
Laurence J. Stratton is a judge of the Minnesota 8th Judicial District Court. Appointed Assistant Chief Judge of the Renville County District Court Jan. 28, 2019, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Renville County attorney and associate attorney at Muske, Muske & Suhrhoff, Ltd., per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Laurence J. Stratton 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 8th Judicial District covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine 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 8th Judicial District Court, Seat 10Nonpartisan race · Benjamin Charles Pieh
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Benjamin Charles Pieh Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Benjamin Pieh was appointed to the Eighth Judicial District bench by Governor Tim Walz on November 19, 2024, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from Rutgers Law School and previously worked as an assistant public defender in the Eighth Judicial District. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Benjamin Charles Pieh 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 8th Judicial District covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine 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 8th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Allison T. Whalen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Allison T. Whalen Nonpartisan
Allison T. Whalen is a judge of the Minnesota 8th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Swift County District Court February 26, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously interim Stevens County Attorney and an assistant Stevens and Swift County attorney, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Allison T. Whalen 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 8th Judicial District covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine 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 1Nonpartisan race · Michelle Overholser
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Michelle Overholser Nonpartisan Incumbent
Michelle Overholser serves on the Chippewa County Soil and Water Conservation District board, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Michelle Overholser is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 1, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 2Nonpartisan race · Calin Eisenlohr
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Calin Eisenlohr Nonpartisan Incumbent
Calin Eisenlohr serves on the Chippewa County Soil and Water Conservation District board representing District 2, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Calin Eisenlohr is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageSoil and Water Supervisor District 4Nonpartisan race · Alex Formo · Holly Hatlewick · Keith Loe
Alex Formo, Holly Hatlewick and Keith Loe are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4.
Alex Formo Nonpartisan
Alex Formo appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, 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 Alex Formo.
Holly Hatlewick Nonpartisan
Holly Hatlewick appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, 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 Holly Hatlewick.
Keith Loe Nonpartisan
Keith Loe appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, 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 Keith Loe.
3 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Chippewa County Soil and Water Supervisor District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate District 16Kathy Jorgenson (D) · Andrew R. Lang (R)
Kathy Jorgenson Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Kathy Jorgenson is an agronomist with a master's degree in natural resources management from North Dakota State University who has worked at Central Regions Cooperative, according to the West Central Tribune. She also serves as a part-time teacher and sits on the Morton City Council and the Morton Community Foundation. She is the DFL-endorsed candidate for Senate District 16. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Andrew R. Lang Republican Incumbent
Andrew R. Lang is the Republican candidate for Minnesota Senate District 16 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified candidate table. Andrew R. Lang is a sitting member for the district, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). No campaign website was found as of September 12, 2026.
Kathy Jorgenson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Andrew R. Lang (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 16; Andrew R. Lang 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 pageMinnesota House District 16AScott Van Binsbergen (R) · David J Torgelson (D)
Scott Van Binsbergen Republican Incumbent
Scott Van Binsbergen, R-Montevideo, has filed for a second term representing House District 16A, according to the West Central Tribune. No campaign website or additional attributed biographical detail was found for him as of this research pass.
David J Torgelson Democratic-Farmer-Labor
David Torgelson of Olivia is a former Renville County attorney and the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota House District 16A, according to the West Central Tribune. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Scott Van Binsbergen (Republican), David J Torgelson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 16A; Scott Van Binsbergen 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 pageBallot questions
3 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Chippewa County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
Township Question 1: Town Question 1Kragero Township · Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Township Question 2: Town Question 2Kragero Township · Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
Would combine the elected offices of town clerk and town treasurer into a single elected clerk-treasurer position.
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 777 (Benson Public Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $710.70 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,410.70 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $710.70 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,410.70 per pupil for ten years.
See your full ballot
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Who is on the ballot in Chippewa County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Chippewa County sample ballot 2026: who is running for soil and water supervisor, commissioner and county sheriff, with bios, priorities and campaign sites. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Minnesota?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Minnesota are listed on the Minnesota election hub. Minnesota election hub →
What ballot questions are on the Chippewa County ballot?
3 ballot questions: Town Question 1; Town Question 2; Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New Authorization. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Chippewa 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 →
Minnesota statewide racesEvery Minnesota race on this county's ballot.All Minnesota ballot measures1 statewide ballot measure