Lindstrom, Minnesota Public Records

Minnesota allows Election Day voter registration, so eligible residents can register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence, though pre-registration is encouraged. Online registration is available through the Minnesota Secretary of State's voter portal at mnvotes.umn.edu, with a deadline of 21 days before Election Day. Those who miss that cutoff can still register in person during early voting or on Election Day itself. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Minnesota driver's license with current address, a utility bill, or another registered voter from the precinct who can vouch for the applicant. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members on a four-year cycle in even-numbered years. The next Lindstrom municipal election is scheduled for November 2026, when voters will decide city council seats and potentially the mayoral office depending on term expirations. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us by entering their address. Lindstrom typically has one or two polling locations serving city precincts, often at community facilities such as city hall or local schools. Minnesota's open records law makes certain election data publicly accessible. Voter registration lists (excluding birthdates and driver's license numbers) are available for purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees can be searched through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board website at cfb.mn.gov. Candidate filings and petitions are public records at the Chisago County level, and precinct-by-precinct election results are published after each election by the Secretary of State and county auditor. In the November 2024 presidential election, Chisago County recorded approximately 32,000 votes cast with turnout around 72-75% of registered voters, reflecting the strong civic engagement typical of Minnesota elections. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Lindstrom and Chisago County voters will decide several significant races. All 134 seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with all 67 Minnesota state Senate seats. Various Chisago County offices including county commissioners and possibly sheriff and other county constitutional offices will be contested depending on term schedules. Lindstrom city offices including council seats will also appear on the ballot. Minnesota governors serve four-year terms, so Governor Tim Walz's seat will be contested in November 2026 along with other constitutional officers. The state does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, as both seats were last contested in 2024 and 2020. Voters should expect a full state ballot including governor, constitutional officers, state legislature, county offices, and city positions. Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be submitted online through mnvotes.umn.edu, by mail, or in person at the Chisago County Elections Office beginning 46 days before Election Day. Completed ballots are due by 8:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark not sufficient—must be received by deadline) or delivered in person to the Chisago County Auditor's office or the voter's polling place.