Butterfield, Minnesota Public Records

Online registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us is available up until 21 days before an election. After that deadline, registration must be completed in person during early voting or on Election Day. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Minnesota driver's license with current address, a utility bill, or having a registered voter from the same precinct vouch for the applicant's residence. Municipal elections for mayor and city council members typically align with the Minnesota state general election in even-numbered years, held in November. The next city elections are scheduled for November 2026. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and city election results can be obtained from the Butterfield City Clerk at City Hall, (507) 956-2525, or from the Watonwan County elections office. Local voters cast ballots for city offices along with county, state legislative, statewide constitutional offices, and federal positions. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Polling Place Finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us, or by contacting the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The city typically votes at a single polling location within city limits, often at a community center or city building. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, and any voter in line at 8:00 PM is permitted to vote. Minnesota provides extensive public access to election related records. Voter registration lists are public data available for purchase for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are publicly searchable through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board at www.cfb.mn.gov. Candidate filings, including affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions, are public records available through the filing office, whether city, county, or state depending on the office sought. Precinct-level election results are published by the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer after canvassing and are available on the Watonwan County website and through the Secretary of State's election results portal. In Participation in Butterfield generally mirrors county-wide patterns, with strong turnout in presidential election years. On November 3, 2026, voters in the area will decide several significant races. At the federal level, one of Minnesota's U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot (Class II seat), along with Minnesota's 1st Congressional District representative. At the state level, Minnesota holds gubernatorial elections in midterm years; 2026 will feature races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and all seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives (all 134 seats) and half of the Minnesota Senate (odd-numbered districts in 2026). The community falls within a Minnesota House and Senate district that will be contested. County-level races in 2026 will include Watonwan County Commissioner seats (some districts), County Attorney, Sheriff, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder positions depending on the election cycle. City council seats and potentially the mayor position will also appear on the ballot. Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may vote by mail without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is one week before Election Day, though in-person absentee voting is available up until the day before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day at 8:00 PM to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Minnesota also offers early in-person voting beginning 46 days before any election at the Watonwan County Auditor's office.