This is not a ballot. Nothing you pick here is a vote.
Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
4 of 8
council seats up
5 contests
15 candidates
Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →
Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.
Mayor · 1 seat
City Council Ward 1 · 1 seat
City Council Ward 2 · 1 seat
City Council Ward 3 · 1 seat
City Council Ward 4 · 1 seat
Voters elect the mayor citywide and one council member in each of Wards 1 through 4 on Nov. 3; the mayor has no primary.
Council member Chuck Hendrickson (Ward 4) is stepping aside and not seeking re-election. High Plains Reader · Sep 23, 2026
Mayor Shelly Carlson opted against seeking re-election. High Plains Reader · Sep 20, 2026
Ben Livingston withdrew from the Ward 1 race, and his name will still appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Valley News Live · Sep 24, 2026
At the Sept. 23 League of Women Voters forum, Sarah Opitz was the only Ward 1 candidate to attend; Ryan Nelson submitted a written statement. Valley News Live · Sep 24, 2026
Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.
Next date
Pre-registration deadline (you can still register at the polls)
Tue, Oct 13, 2026
Where it standsOn Sept. 28 the council capped the preliminary 2027 levy at $28.8 million; it can be lowered but not raised before final adoption in December.
What's on the tableThe final 2027 property tax levy and city budget.
Where it standsA third fire station on the south side is in the city's strategic plan; funding is not settled.
What's on the tableWhether and when to fund and staff a third fire station.
Where it standsEssentia Health began construction in September on a new downtown clinic at 730 Center Avenue, expected to finish in May 2027.
What's on the tableFurther downtown redevelopment, business incentives and development approvals.
Where it standsCandidates cite housing affordability and home ownership as top issues; no specific housing measure is before the council in the sources reviewed.
What's on the tableCity housing policy, funding and development approvals.
Where it standsMoorhead police use Flock Safety license plate readers; the police chief has defended the program.
What's on the tableWhether the city continues or changes license plate reader contracts and policies.
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. Moorhead's strategic plan includes a third fire station on the south side. What should the council do?
2. The council capped the preliminary 2027 property tax levy at $28.8 million and can lower it in December. Where do you stand?
3. What should the city do most to compete with Fargo for businesses?
4. What should be the city's main tool for housing affordability?
5. Moorhead police use Flock license plate readers. What should the city do?
Seat the Council →
Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.
3 stay (not up this year): Nicole Mattson, Sebastian McDougall, Emily Moore4 on this ballot
8 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 5-vote majority.
Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works →
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