Aitkin, Minnesota Public Records

Voters can register on Election Day by providing proof of residence such as a Minnesota driver's license, Minnesota ID card, or a utility bill with current address. Pre-registration is encouraged and closes 21 days before Election Day for by-mail registration. Municipal elections in the city select the mayor and city council positions. The mayor serves a four-year term, and city council members serve staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections in Minnesota are held in even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, consolidated with state and federal elections. The next municipal election will occur in November 2026. Candidates for city offices file with the Aitkin City Clerk by the statutory deadline in summer preceding the election. Local ballot measures such as school levies or bond referendums may also appear on ballots depending on what the school district or city council places before voters. Residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Aitkin County Auditor-treasurer at (218) 927-7351. Most city residents vote at the Aitkin Community Center or other designated locations within the city. Minnesota provides extensive public access to election records under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Voter registration lists are public data and can be purchased from the Secretary of State, though individual voter history is private. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are public and searchable through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board website at cfb.mn.gov. Candidate filings are public and available through the Secretary of State or county auditor. Precinct-level election results are public immediately after certification and published on the Secretary of State website and county websites. In the November 2024 presidential election, the county had approximately 8,400 registered voters with roughly 72% turnout, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Minnesota. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide several important races. Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Amy Klobuchar is not up for election in 2026, as her term expires in 2027, but Minnesota's other U.S. Senate seat held by Tina Smith will be on the ballot in 2026. All eight of Minnesota's U.S. House seats will be contested, with the area located in the 8th Congressional District. The Minnesota Governor's office is not up for election in 2026, as gubernatorial elections occur in 2026, meaning Governor Tim Walz's successor will be elected. All 134 Minnesota House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot, as House members serve two-year terms. Half of the 67 Minnesota Senate seats will be contested, as state senators serve four-year staggered terms. At the Aitkin County level, various offices will appear on the 2026 ballot depending on term expirations, potentially including county commissioners, sheriff, attorney, auditor-treasurer, and recorder. Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to vote by mail without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us starting 46 days before an election. Voters can also apply in person at the Aitkin County Auditor-treasurer's office. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend the deadline. Early in-person absentee voting is available at the Aitkin County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before Election Day through the day before the election.