Belle PlaineNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Belle Plaine Mayor & City Council Election 2026

3 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 6 candidates running. Updated Oct 20, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

Not sure who to vote for? Answer 5 questions and see which candidates agree with you, and why.

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

Find where to voteCheck your registration
Absentee and early voting ends at 5 pm (Nov 2): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Voters citywide choose a mayor from two candidates and two council members from four; Brady Hartmann and Luke Otto hold council terms that run through 2028.

Absentee and early voting ends at 5 pm · Nov 2

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

What the next council decides

012027 budget and property tax levy3 sourced facts

Where it standsIn September 2026 the council set a preliminary 2027 levy with a $651,314 increase; the final levy and budget will be set in December.

What's on the tableThe final 2027 city budget and property tax levy, which can be lowered but not raised from the preliminary amount.

02Public Safety Facility renovation and expansion4 sourced facts

Where it standsIn August 2026 the council awarded a $3,463,827.22 contract to renovate and expand the Public Safety Facility.

What's on the tableHow to pay for the project, including any bonds, as it is built.

03Growth, housing and industrial land4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city combined four city-owned parcels into Valley Business Park Fourth in 2026, and part of it is proposed for General Industrial zoning.

What's on the tableZoning and development approvals for new homes and businesses, including land in Valley Business Park.

04Home rule charter and resident votes3 sourced facts

Where it standsBelle Plaine operates as a statutory city; mayoral candidate Dale Loudermilk proposes a home rule charter.

What's on the tableWhether to pursue a home rule charter that voters would approve.

052027 street and utility project4 sourced facts

Where it standsIn September 2026 the council ordered the 2027 Improvement Project and final plans and specifications.

What's on the tableFinal project scope, bids and property assessments for the 2027 street project.

5 notes on these statements

The council accepted the resignation of Mayor Ryan Ladd and declared the mayor's office vacant on Feb. 17, 2026. City of Belle Plaine · Feb 17, 2026

The council appointed James Evans as mayor on Feb. 20, 2026 and declared a vacancy in his council seat. City of Belle Plaine · Feb 20, 2026

The council appointed Shane Theas on March 16, 2026 to fill the council vacancy, for a term ending December 31, 2026. City of Belle Plaine · Mar 16, 2026

The council seats held by appointed members Rex Stacey and Shane Theas are the two seats on the ballot. Henderson Independent · Aug 10, 2026

The Henderson Independent said all four council candidates and both mayoral candidates confirmed they would attend its Oct. 3 candidate forum. Henderson Independent · Sep 25, 2026

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Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. How should the council set the final 2027 city levy?

  2. 2. Should the city build the $3.46 million Public Safety Facility renovation and expansion?

  3. 3. Should Belle Plaine encourage more new housing?

  4. 4. Should Belle Plaine adopt a home rule charter?

  5. 5. Should the city go ahead with the 2027 street project on Linden and Prairie streets?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted8 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Brady Hartmann, Luke Otto3 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

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