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Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Waconia Mayor & City Council Election 2026

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

Not sure who to vote for? Answer 4 questions and see which candidates agree with you, and why.

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

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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.

Two at-large council seats are on the ballot (elect 2) with three candidates, and the mayor's seat has one candidate, per the state filing list.

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.

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

01Franchise fees for streets and parks3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council adopted gas and electric franchise fee ordinances on Feb. 19, 2026, each on a 4-1 vote with the mayor opposed.

What's on the tableHow street resurfacing and playground replacement are paid for in future budgets.

02The 2027 property tax levy3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council set a preliminary 2027 levy in September 2026, and final adoption is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2026.

What's on the tableHow large the 2027 levy is, which can be lowered but not raised from the preliminary amount.

03The 801 Highway 284 site3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city owns the site and a draft request for proposals was on the Oct. 5, 2026 council agenda for approval.

What's on the tableWhich proposals to pursue for the sale and redevelopment of the city-owned property.

04The future of Safari Island2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council has not decided and plans to gather residents' input.

What's on the tableWhether to renew, expand or replace the Safari Island community center space before the rental contract ends.

05Downtown parking and curb design2 sourced facts

Where it standsIn May 2025 the council did not reach a majority on affirming the curb-line design at a no-parking drop-off next to the Emagine Theater.

What's on the tableWhether to add or change downtown parking as downtown grows.

1 note on these statements

Nick Gleason and Jeff Grengs were unable to attend the Waconia Chamber's Sept. 24 candidate luncheon, where Jim Lohan and Timothy Litfin spoke. Hometown Source (Waconia Patriot)

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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 Waconia pay for street resurfacing and park equipment?

  2. 2. How should the council set the 2027 property tax levy?

  3. 3. What should the city prioritize at the 801 Highway 284 site?

  4. 4. How should the city handle downtown parking?

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 voted6 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.New · How Waconia is runWho runs Waconia, and what it costsWho the city manager is, council pay, whether the city is in the red, and where your property tax goes.

Key dates

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Jacob Coleman, Derek Siddons3 on this ballot

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

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