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Elections and Voter Registration
The Wadena County Auditor's Office provides voter registration and election administration for federal, state and county elections. Duties include maintenance of voter registration records, candidate filings, ballot preparation, absentee voting, election results reporting, campaign finance reporting, and providing election related information to the public. The office also provides voter registration and administrative support to cities and schools who administer their local elections.
**Recruiting Election Judges**
Election judges are temporary, paid employees of local election officials trained to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections and is a great service to the community.
To become an election judge, contact your local city. town, or county election office or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Contact Us
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Christine Kempenich
Elections CoordinatorAuditor/Treasurer Office
415 Jefferson Street South
Wadena, MN 56482Phone: 218-631-7792
Fax: 218-631-7652Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays and Weekends
Election District Documents
UPCOMING ELECTIONS:
Township Election: March 10, 2026,
Vote at your local township polling place.
Special Election: Staples-Motley Public School District #2170
NOTICE TO VOTERS:
Early voting is offered to all residents of ISD#2170
Absentee / Early Voting begins February 27th, 2026
Applications and Ballots available at the:
Staples-Motley School District Office
905 4th St. NE, Staples ♦ 218-894-5400
Dates: Feb. 27th - April 10th
Monday - Friday
7:30am - 4:00pm
April 13th from 7:30am - 5pm
(office is closed on April 3rd)
Election Day:
Tuesday, April 14th
Staples Community Center
Primary Election: August 11, 2026
Early filing period for Feral, State, Judicial, County, City & School district offices, open May 19, 2026, thru June 6, 2026.
Absentee Voting: June 26, 2026, thru August 10, 2026
Absentee voting will also be open: August 1, 2026, from 9am - 3pm
If the Primary is not possible then:
Late filing period for City & School district offices opens July 28, 2026, thru August 11, 2026
General Election: November 3, 2026
Absentee Voting opens: September 18, 2026, thru November 2, 2026
Absentee voting will be available these days also per state laws:
October 24, 2026: 9am - 3pm
October 27, 2026: 8am - 7 pm
October 31, 2026: 9am - 3pm
November 1, 2026: 9am - 3pm
November 2, 2026: 8am - 5 pm
Special elections are used to fill vacant offices or decide ballot questions; they can be scheduled at various times during the year and may be held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled election.