Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
Pelican Rapids Mayor & City Council Election 2026
3 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 5 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check
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How to vote · 11 days left
General Election (Nov 3): the election office's noticeThese 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.
Mayor
1 seatVoters citywide choose the mayor and two of the four council members; the mayor also votes on council motions.
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.
- Governor
- Amy Klobuchar · Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Lisa Demuth · Republican
- Steven Young · Green
- U.S. Senate
- Peggy Flanagan · Democratic-Farmer-Labor
- Michele Tafoya · Republican
- Marisa Simonetti · Independent
- Rebecca Whiting · Libertarian
- Also statewideSecretary of State · State Auditor · Attorney General · Associate Justice - Supreme Court · Judge - Court of Appeals
- Statewide measures1 on the ballot: the state's official explanations
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 standsStaff presented a preliminary 2027 general budget with an 11.99% increase in September 2026; the levy can go down but not up before final adoption in December.
What's on the tableThe final 2027 budget and levy in December.
- The budget was initially projected at about a 24% increase, but after committee review, cuts and revised revenue estimates it was reduced to 11.99%. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
- The EDA budget was reduced by $25,000, and the city's $25,000 ambulance contribution was removed. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
- The clerk-treasurer recommended a $160,000 transfer from liquor store reserves. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
022027 street and utility projects3 sourced facts
Where it standsIn September 2026 the council received an engineering report on about $3.4 million in 2027 street and utility work and called a hearing.
What's on the tableWhether to order the projects and how much to assess property owners.
- Proposed work covers the Highway 59 frontage road, SW 5th Avenue, SW 3rd Street, SE 1st Street, and lining a sanitary sewer segment. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
- The estimated project cost is approximately $3,400,000, with special assessment for affected properties. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
- Surface-only projects are not eligible for PFA funding, but the city is on the PFA priority list for 1st Street SE and sewer lining. City of Pelican Rapids · Jul 28, 2026
03Rental licensing and short-term rentals3 sourced facts
Where it standsThe city has stepped up rental license enforcement and in September 2026 adopted new rental housing and short-term rental ordinances.
What's on the tableHow hard to push landlords who ignore licensing, and whether the short-term rental rules need changes.
- As of August 1, 2026, 33 property owners were out of compliance; each was billed a $500 penalty and 32 were cited by police. City of Pelican Rapids · Aug 25, 2026
- The short-term rental ordinance caps licenses at eight citywide and two per person or entity. City of Pelican Rapids · Aug 25, 2026
- The police chief noted some neighboring cities have adopted more substantial penalties. City of Pelican Rapids · Aug 25, 2026
04Sherin Park campground bathhouse3 sourced facts
Where it standsAfter two denied DNR grants, the city sought bids for a new bathhouse, but in September 2026 rejected both bids as over budget.
What's on the tableWhether to rebuild the bathhouse, scale it back, or try another approach, and how to pay for it.
- Four accounts already earmarked for the bathhouse total about $276,000, and the council added swimming pool funds. City of Pelican Rapids · Jan 13, 2026
- The city was denied DNR grant funding for the bathhouse project for the second time. City of Pelican Rapids · Jul 28, 2026
- Two formal bids were received, both above what the city had budgeted, and staff recommended rejecting all bids. City of Pelican Rapids · Sep 8, 2026
05Building code enforcement3 sourced facts
Where it standsThe city repealed building code enforcement in 2018; in April 2026 the council voted to continue without it.
What's on the tableWhether to bring back state building code enforcement, which could not be reversed later.
- With the city's population now over 2,500, the city cannot repeal enforcement once readopted. City of Pelican Rapids · Mar 31, 2026
- The Planning Commission recommended moving toward building code enforcement. City of Pelican Rapids · Mar 31, 2026
- The economic development director cited concerns about self-built projects that appeared not up to code. City of Pelican Rapids · Mar 31, 2026
06Ambulance service3 sourced facts
Where it standsRingdahl Ambulance faces financial challenges, and Otter Tail County has outlined options for keeping service in the Pelican Rapids area.
What's on the tableWhether and how the city helps pay for ambulance service.
- The county outlined a joint powers agreement, a special taxing district, or a county-controlled subordinate service district. City of Pelican Rapids · May 26, 2026
- County officials preferred a fee-based system, with estimated fees under $100 per household a year. City of Pelican Rapids · May 26, 2026
- The city budgeted $32,500 for 2025 and $25,000 for 2026 for ambulance service. City of Pelican Rapids · May 26, 2026
2 notes on these statements
Ivan Olson and Don Perrin filed for Mayor; Curt Markgraf, Steve Strand and John E. Waller III filed for two council seats. Minnesota Secretary of State · Jul 29, 2026
The Pelican Rapids Press reported in September 2026 that Ivan Olson dropped out of the race for mayor. Pelican Rapids Press · Sep 17, 2026
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Who matches you?
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1. Should Pelican Rapids bring back building code enforcement?
Key dates
- General ElectionCity of Pelican Rapids · Aug 1, 2026Nov 3, 2026
The seat math
1 stay (not up this year): Shelley Sorum3 on this ballot
5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.
- The city is governed by a city council comprised of the mayor and four council members. City of Pelican Rapids · Jan 1, 2026
- The City Council meets on the second and last Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. City of Pelican Rapids
- The mayor votes on motions; Mayor Frazier opposed the April 2026 motion to continue without building code enforcement. City of Pelican Rapids · Apr 14, 2026
- A city administrator oversees the operation of all city departments. City of Pelican Rapids · Jan 1, 2026
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