Dodge County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
18 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 13 Dodge County races, led by the Dodge County Commissioner District 2 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Troy Stafford · Tim Tjosaas
Troy Stafford and Tim Tjosaas are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 2.
Troy Stafford Nonpartisan
- Keeping property taxes affordable, particularly for seniors and people on fixed incomes
- Fiscal responsibility through careful budgeting and operational efficiencies
- Affordable housing options supporting working families, veterans and people with disabilities
About Troy Stafford
Troy Stafford is running for Dodge County Commissioner District 2 against incumbent Tim Tjosaas. He serves on the Dodge County and Mantorville EDA boards, volunteers as a Mantorville firefighter and first responder, and is co-treasurer of Dodge County Faith in Action, per the Dodge County Independent. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Tim Tjosaas Nonpartisan Incumbent
Tim Tjosaas has represented Dodge County Commissioner District 2 since a 2014 special election, when he succeeded his late father Lyle Tjosaas in the seat, per the county's official website. He was reelected in 2022 and has served as county board chair. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageCommissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · James Checkel
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
James Checkel Nonpartisan
James Checkel appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 3, 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 James Checkel.
James Checkel is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageCommissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Ashley Martin · Rhonda Toquam
Ashley Martin and Rhonda Toquam are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 4.
Ashley Martin Nonpartisan
Ashley Martin appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner 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 Ashley Martin.
Rhonda Toquam Nonpartisan Incumbent
- Balance competitive pay and benefits for county employees, including sheriff's staff, while controlling levy increases
- Address state-mandated human services costs that fall on local property taxes
- Improve rural ambulance and EMT coverage and reimbursement
About Rhonda Toquam
Rhonda Toquam is the incumbent Dodge County Commissioner for District 4, first elected in 2016 and serving as 2025 Board Chair, per Dodge County's government website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Commissioner District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Scott Rose
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Scott Rose Nonpartisan
Scott Rose has served as Dodge County Sheriff since his election in November 2014 and filed to run for a fourth term in 2026, per KAAL/ABC 6 News. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Scott Rose is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Crysta Parkin · Kailee Thompson
Crysta Parkin and Kailee Thompson are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Attorney.
Crysta Parkin Nonpartisan
Crysta Parkin is a longtime assistant Dodge County Attorney who has handled civil matters for the office for more than a decade. She filed to run for the newly full-time County Attorney position in 2026 against fellow assistant attorney Kailee Thompson, per the Dodge County Independent. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Kailee Thompson Nonpartisan
Kailee Thompson is an Assistant Dodge County Attorney running for the open county attorney seat against fellow assistant attorney Crysta Parkin, per the Dodge County Independent. The seat opened after longtime County Attorney Paul Kiltinen chose not to seek reelection. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Dodge County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 4Nonpartisan race · Jacob C. Allen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jacob C. Allen Nonpartisan
Jacob C. Allen is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Olmsted County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Aug. 31, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously managing attorney of the Third District Public Defender's Office and a partner at O'Brien & Wolf L.L.P., per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Jacob C. Allen 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 6Nonpartisan race · Karen R. Duncan
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Karen R. Duncan Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Karen R. Duncan was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on March 1, 2013, and was elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. She earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and previously served as chief public defender for the Third Judicial District. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Karen R. Duncan 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 7Nonpartisan race · Dwight Luhmann
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Dwight Luhmann Nonpartisan
Dwight Luhmann is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Winona County District Court on July 15, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a solo practitioner and city attorney for Preston, 2007-2024, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Dwight Luhmann 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Erin Lindhart Felten
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Erin Lindhart Felten Nonpartisan
Erin Lindhart Felten is a judge of the Minnesota 3rd Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Olmsted County District Court on Aug. 6, 2024, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously a referee for the Third Judicial District in Olmsted County and an attorney at Hoversten, Johnson, Beckmann & Hovey LLP, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Erin Lindhart Felten 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 17Nonpartisan race · Christopher A Neisen
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Christopher A Neisen Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Christopher A Neisen was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on June 29, 2018, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and previously was managing partner at Wornson, Goggins, Neisen, Morris & Brever, P.C. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Christopher A Neisen 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 3rd Judicial District Court, Seat 22Nonpartisan race · Jeffrey M Johnson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeffrey M Johnson Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Jeffrey M Johnson was appointed to the Third Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton on March 23, 2018, and was elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and previously served as Third Judicial District Chief Public Defender. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Jeffrey M Johnson 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 3rd Judicial District covers Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona 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 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 24Nels T. Pierson (R) · Simon Glaser (D)
Nels T. Pierson Republican
- Increase fiscal accountability and prevent fraud
- Prioritize reading, math and science fundamentals in education
- Support public safety through adequate law enforcement staffing
Per the campaign site.
About Nels T. Pierson
Nels Pierson works as a consultant in property development and government relations and also serves as a direct support professional in a group home, per the campaign site. He and his wife recently purchased two small local family businesses, and he previously served in the Minnesota House beginning in 2013, representing District 26B, per the campaign site. He holds a bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a law degree from Hamline University, per the campaign site.
Simon Glaser Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Supports continued investment in education
- Prioritizes civil liberties
- Calls for fair tax policy
Per the campaign site.
About Simon Glaser
Simon Glaser is an English teacher in Rochester Public Schools with 30 years of experience, who began his career through Teach for America outside New Orleans, per the campaign site. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's in education from the University of Pennsylvania, per the campaign site. He has held leadership roles in Rochester's teachers' union and serves on Education Minnesota's Legislative Action Committee, per the campaign site.
Nels T. Pierson (Republican), Simon Glaser (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 24. Not on the November ballot: Carla J. Nelson, the sitting member per the roster. 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 24ADuane Quam (R) · Heather Holmes (D)
Duane Quam Republican Incumbent
- Supports a smaller, more fiscally responsible government
- Supports constitutional and property rights protections
- Favors reducing fees and regulations to support job creation
Per the campaign site.
About Duane Quam
Duane Quam holds degrees in engineering and physics, including a master's in physics, and has worked as an engineer, scientist and project manager, per campaign site. Duane Quam previously served on the Byron School Board and chaired Minnesota's State Academic Science Standards writing committee, per campaign site.
Heather Holmes Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Focuses on lowering everyday costs to make rural life more affordable
- Emphasizes community volunteerism and support
- Commits to responsive, transparent leadership
Per the campaign site.
About Heather Holmes
Holmes is a scientist and former school board member raising a family in Byron, per the campaign site. She describes her career as turning challenges into action and says rural communities deserve leadership that listens, per the campaign site.
Duane Quam (Republican), Heather Holmes (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 24A; Duane Quam 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
2 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Dodge County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 203 (Hayfield Community Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $646.12 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,250 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $646.12 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,250 per pupil for ten years.
School District Question 1: Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 204 (Kasson-Mantorville) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of its existing per-pupil amount and replace it with a new authorization of $500 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 $500 per pupil for ten years.
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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 Dodge County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Dodge County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner, county attorney and county sheriff candidates stand on the budget, housing and taxes. 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 Dodge County ballot?
2 ballot questions: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New Authorization; Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Dodge 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