Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Cohasset City Council Election 2026

2 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 4 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

Not sure who to vote for? Answer 3 questions and see which candidates agree with you, and why.

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

Election Day (Nov 3): 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 two council members from four candidates; Mayor Josh Casper is the only candidate for mayor.

Election Day · Nov 3

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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.

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.

What the next council decides

012027 budget and property tax levy4 sourced facts

Where it standsIn September 2026 the council set a preliminary levy after budget talks that leaned toward a 3.54% increase.

What's on the tableThe final levy, due to the county by Dec. 28, 2026; it can go down from the preliminary levy but not up.

02Plowing private roads3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city plows five private roads for a flat fee; the council voted to keep plowing them this winter and stop as of March 31, 2027.

What's on the tableWhether to keep that end date or set a new policy or fees for private roads.

03New housing3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city has sought developers for multifamily housing on the old trailer park property and heard a concept for small homes on a city-owned lot.

What's on the tableWhich housing proposals to back, including zoning changes, tax increment financing and grant applications.

04Water fund and rates3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe water fund is running a deficit, and staff plan to propose small, phased rate increases.

What's on the tableWhether and how fast to raise water and sewer rates.

05Jobs and business development2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city adopted a small business loan program in 2026 and is marketing its industrial park and Blackwater development site.

What's on the tableHow much city money and staff time to put into loans, grants and site work to attract business.

  • The council approved the Cohasset Small Business Partnership Loan Program Policy and a $24,000 loan to Blackwater Equipment Rentals LLC in August 2026. City of Cohasset · Aug 24, 2026
  • The council approved applying for a $174,400 Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation grant for the Industrial Park Dovetail Boulevard North Site. City of Cohasset · Jun 22, 2026
1 note on these statements

Andy Haarklau, Richard Lee Kortekaas Sr. and Kevin Tinquist did not respond to the KAXE candidate questionnaire. KAXE · Sep 28, 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. Should the city keep plowing private roads?

  2. 2. Should Cohasset actively seek developers for new housing on city land?

  3. 3. Should the city lend money to local businesses?

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 voted11 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

3 stay (not up this year): Shannon Benolken, Josh Casper, Andy MacDonell2 on this ballot

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

Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works

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