Rock County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
24 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 17 Rock County races, led by the Rock County Commissioner District 2 contest.
County offices
Commissioner District 2Nonpartisan race · Keith Elbers · Dennis Hartman
Keith Elbers and Dennis Hartman are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 2.
Keith Elbers Nonpartisan
Keith Elbers appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 2, 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 Elbers.
Dennis Hartman Nonpartisan
Dennis Hartman appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 2, 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 Dennis Hartman.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 2, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSpecial Election for County Commissioner District 3Nonpartisan race · Deon Carriere · Rick Peterson
Deon Carriere and Rick Peterson are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Special Election for County Commissioner District 3.
Deon Carriere Nonpartisan
Deon Carriere filed for the Rock County Commissioner District 3 special election to fill the seat vacated by former Commissioner Greg Burger, per the Rock County Star Herald. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Rick Peterson Nonpartisan
Rick Peterson won the 2026 special election for the Rock County Commissioner District 3 seat, filling the vacancy left by Greg Burger, per the Rock County Star Herald. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Special Election for County Commissioner District 3, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageCommissioner District 4Nonpartisan race · Pat Saum · Sherri Thompson
Pat Saum and Sherri Thompson are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 4.
Pat Saum Nonpartisan
Pat Saum appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock 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 Pat Saum.
Sherri Thompson Nonpartisan
Sherri Thompson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock 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 Sherri Thompson.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Commissioner District 4, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageSheriffNonpartisan race · Matthew Sorenson · Jeff Stratton
Matthew Sorenson and Jeff Stratton are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Sheriff.
Matthew Sorenson Nonpartisan
Matthew Sorenson is a retired Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant who was appointed Rock County Sheriff, filling the remainder of retired Sheriff Evan Verbrugge's term, per the Rock County Star Herald. He is now running to keep the seat in 2026. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jeff Stratton Nonpartisan
Jeff Stratton appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock 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 Jeff Stratton.
2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Sheriff, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings.
Full race pageAttorneyNonpartisan race · Jeffrey L. Haubrich
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeffrey L. Haubrich Nonpartisan Incumbent
Jeffrey L. Haubrich has served as Rock County Attorney since being elected in 2018, per the Rock County Star Herald. He previously spent more than 15 years as an assistant county attorney and volunteers as a youth baseball, football and hockey coach, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jeffrey L. Haubrich is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Attorney, per the Minnesota Secretary of State's candidate filings (Minnesota prints unopposed county races).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 2Nonpartisan race · Kayla M. Johnson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kayla M. Johnson Nonpartisan
Kayla M. Johnson was appointed to the bench in Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District by Governor Tim Walz in March 2025, per her former law firm's website. She was a founding partner of Smith & Johnson from 2015 to 2025, focusing on real estate law and estate planning, and is a graduate of Hamline University and its law school, per the same source.
Kayla 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 5Nonpartisan race · Christopher Cain · Christina M. Wietzema
Christopher Cain Nonpartisan
Christopher Cain is a candidate for Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Court, Seat 5. He has practiced law for 30 years, serving as an Assistant County Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, Interim City Attorney and defense/family law attorney, per his campaign site. He has also served as an investigator and panel chair with the Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board and as an adjunct law instructor, per the same source.
Christina M. Wietzema Nonpartisan Incumbent
Judge Christina M. Wietzema was appointed to the Fifth Judicial District bench by Governor Mark Dayton in 2012 and was elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. She earned her J.D. from Hamline University School of Law and previously worked as an assistant public defender in the Fifth Judicial District. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Christopher Cain and Christina M. Wietzema are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for this seat. Minnesota's 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 8Nonpartisan race · Paul J. Gunderson
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Paul J. Gunderson Nonpartisan
Paul J. Gunderson is a judge of the Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Nicollet County District Court March 4, 2025, by Governor Tim Walz, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an assistant Brown County attorney and an attorney at Blethen Berens and Berens, Rodenberg & O'Connor, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Paul J. Gunderson 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 11Nonpartisan race · Stephen J. Ferrazzano II
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Stephen J. Ferrazzano II Nonpartisan
Stephen J. Ferrazzano II is a judge of the Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Watonwan County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on January 12, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously an attorney with the Office of the State Public Defender, 1998-2018, and former mayor of Tracy, Minnesota, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Stephen J. Ferrazzano II 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 12Nonpartisan race · Patrick Rohland
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Patrick Rohland Nonpartisan
Patrick Rohland is a judge of the Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Redwood County District Court Sept. 9, 2013, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Redwood Falls city attorney and an attorney with the Redwood County Attorney's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Patrick Rohland 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 13Nonpartisan race · Troy G. Timmerman
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Troy G. Timmerman Nonpartisan
Troy G. Timmerman is a judge of the Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court. Appointed Assistant Chief Judge of the Faribault County District Court by Governor Mark Dayton on Jan. 18, 2018, and elected in 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously Faribault County Attorney and an assistant public defender and managing attorney for the Fifth Judicial District, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Troy G. Timmerman 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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 5th Judicial District Court, Seat 15Nonpartisan race · Robert Docherty
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Robert Docherty Nonpartisan
Robert Docherty is a judge of the Minnesota 5th Judicial District Court. Appointed to the Brown County District Court Aug. 17, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton and elected in 2014 and 2020, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Previously managing attorney of the Mankato office of the Fifth Judicial District Public Defender's Office, per the Minnesota Judicial Branch. No campaign website was found as of September 25, 2026.
Robert Docherty 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 5th Judicial District covers Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Watonwan 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
Special Election for Soil and Water Supervisor District 1Nonpartisan race · Matthew VanGrootheest
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew VanGrootheest Nonpartisan Incumbent
Matthew VanGrootheest serves as the District I supervisor for the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District, representing Luverne and Mound townships, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Matthew VanGrootheest is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Special Election for 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 · Josh Ossefoort
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Josh Ossefoort Nonpartisan
Josh Ossefoort appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, 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 Josh Ossefoort.
Josh Ossefoort is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock 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 5Nonpartisan race · Jim Veldkamp
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jim Veldkamp Nonpartisan Incumbent
Jim Veldkamp serves on the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District board representing District V, per the district's website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Jim Veldkamp is the only candidate on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rock County Soil and Water Supervisor District 5, 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.
Find your districts by addressMinnesota Senate District 21Chris Knoll (R) · Caitlyn Sanow-Minett (D)
Chris Knoll Republican
Chris Knoll is CEO of Minnewaska Community Health Services and a licensed Department of Human Services provider and nursing home administrator, per his campaign site. He holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from St. Cloud State University and a master's degree in public administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato, per the campaign site. He is running for Minnesota Senate District 21.
Caitlyn Sanow-Minett Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Support strong communities and reliable services for southwest Minnesota
- Favor data driven, community led decisions
- Promote transparent and accountable government
Per the campaign site.
About Caitlyn Sanow-Minett
Caitlyn Sanow-Minett is a lifelong southwest Minnesota resident from Tracy who now lives in Lake Benton, per the campaign site. She works as a circulation supervisor at an academic library and is a local union leader, and previously worked in childcare and hospitality while earning a bachelor's degree in English literature from Southwest Minnesota State University, per the campaign site.
Chris Knoll (Republican), Caitlyn Sanow-Minett (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 21. Not on the November ballot: Bill Weber, 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 21ALS Rusty Nelson (D) · Krist Wollum (R)
LS Rusty Nelson Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Protect rural hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and ambulance services from funding cuts
- Strengthen volunteer fire departments and EMT services
- Support practical solutions for farmers' and ranchers' supply chains
Per the campaign site.
About LS Rusty Nelson
LS "Rusty" Nelson is a teacher and emergency medical technician who has lived in southwest Minnesota for more than 30 years, per the campaign site. He describes his approach as thoughtful leadership grounded in listening and practical problem solving, per the campaign site.
Krist Wollum Republican
- Strengthening oversight of taxpayer funds
- Protecting family farms and rural communities from burdensome regulation
- Improving rural healthcare access and support for veterans
Per the campaign site.
About Krist Wollum
Wollum is a fourth-generation farmer who has operated a grain and cattle farm near Porter, Minnesota, with his nephew since 1992, per the campaign site. He served 20 years as Marble Township supervisor and as president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association from 2017 to 2018, per the campaign site.
LS Rusty Nelson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Krist Wollum (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota House District 21A. Not on the November ballot: Joe Schomacker, 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 pageBallot questions
4 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Rock County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
City Question 1: Question to Allow Issuance of Sunday Liquor Licenses to Eligible EstablishmentsCity of Hills · Would allow licensed establishments in City of Hills to sell intoxicating liquor on Sundays.
Would allow licensed establishments in City of Hills to sell intoxicating liquor on Sundays.
City Question 1: ISSUANCE OF SUNDAY ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSESCity of Jasper · Would allow licensed establishments in City of Jasper to sell intoxicating liquor on Sundays.
Would allow licensed establishments in City of Jasper to sell intoxicating liquor on Sundays.
City Question 1: Charter Amendment: Create New Independent Commission to Govern City UtilitiesCity of Luverne · Would adopt Option A, expanding the town board of supervisors to five members.
Would adopt Option A, expanding the town board of supervisors to five members.
School District Question 1: Revoking Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New AuthorizationIndependent School District No. 2689 (Pipestone Area Schools) · Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $474.26 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,500 per pupil for ten years.
Would revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $474.26 per pupil and replace it with a new authorization of $1,500 per pupil for ten years.
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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 Rock County, Minnesota on November 3, 2026?
Rock County sample ballot 2026: see where the commissioner and special election for county commissioner candidates stand on health care and agriculture. 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 Rock County ballot?
4 ballot questions: Question to Allow Issuance of Sunday Liquor Licenses to Eligible Establishments; ISSUANCE OF SUNDAY ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSES; Charter Amendment: Create New Independent Commission to Govern City Utilities; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Rock 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