Residents of Grand Forks will head to the polls on June 9, 2026, to cast their votes for multiple local offices, including three City Council seats and various county and school board positions. This election cycle includes critical roles such as municipal judge, county sheriff, and state legislators. Additionally, primary elections for the County Commission and other county offices will be featured on the ballot in November.
The electoral process for candidates began at the start of the year, allowing them to collect signatures for their nomination petitions. Candidates must submit these by 4 p.m. on April 6. Each position has specific requirements regarding the number of signatures needed, which vary by office.
Voting Locations and Early Voting Options
Qualified voters in Grand Forks County can cast their ballots at designated voting centers, including the Alerus Center and ICON Arena. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Early voting will also be available at the Alerus Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 2-5 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 6. Absentee voting will commence on April 30, with ballots needing to be postmarked by the day before the election.
City Council Positions
Three seats on the City Council are up for election this year, representing Wards 2, 4, and 6. The council serves as the legislative body for the city, making decisions on ordinances and resolutions. Current officeholders include Rebecca Osowski (Ward 2), Tricia Lunski (Ward 4), and Dana Sande, the council president (Ward 6).
Candidates are required to submit a nominating petition, which must contain a specific number of signatures. For Ward 2, candidates need at least 63 signatures, while Ward 4 requires 124 signatures and Ward 6 requires 45 signatures. All candidates must reside in the wards they intend to represent.
Parks Board and Municipal Judge
The Grand Forks Park Board will also see three of its seats on the ballot on June 9. The board is responsible for overseeing local parks, including programming and facility management. Current members include Tim Skarperud, Greg LaDouceur, and Jordan McIntyre. Candidates must submit a petition with 300 signatures along with a statement of interests and a campaign finance disclosure report to qualify.
Additionally, the position of municipal judge will be contested. The municipal judge handles local court cases involving ordinance violations and misdemeanors. The current judge, Kerry Rosenquist, will be seeking reelection.
School Board Elections
Five seats on the Grand Forks School Board will also be filled this election cycle. The School Board governs the local school district and is tasked with overseeing policies and negotiations with the teachers’ union. Current board members include Dave Berger, Josh Anderson, Sherry Houdek, Joel Larson, and Bill Palmiscno. Candidates must file their forms with the Grand Forks Public Schools’ business office by 4 p.m. on April 6.
County Positions Up for Grabs
Voters will also decide on several county positions, including three seats on the Grand Forks County Commission. These commissioners oversee the county’s fiscal affairs and are elected for four-year terms. Current officeholders include Kimberly Hagen, Mark Rustad, and Bob Rost. Candidates must gather signatures equal to at least 2% of the votes cast in the last election or a maximum of 300 signatures to qualify.
The county sheriff’s position, currently held by Andy Schneider, and the county state’s attorney role, held by Haley Wamstad, will also be on the ballot. Similar to the county commission, candidates must meet the signature requirements for their respective positions.
State Legislative Seats
Several state legislative seats will be contested, including those for Districts 17 and 43, currently held by Sen. Jonathan Sickler, Sen. Jeff Barta, and their respective House representatives. Candidates must file a petition with signatures from 1% of their district’s population or a maximum of 300 signatures to be eligible.
Judicial positions for the Northeast Central Judicial District, which includes Grand Forks, will also be on the ballot. This will provide voters with the opportunity to select judges who handle various cases within the district.
As the election date approaches, potential candidates and voters alike are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth electoral process. For more information, candidates can contact the respective offices, including the Grand Forks City Auditor’s Office and the county auditor’s office.