Hastings, NEVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Hastings City Council Election 2026

4 of 8

council seats up

4 contests

8 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

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

City Council Ward 1 · 1 seat

City Council Ward 2 · 1 seat

City Council Ward 3 · 1 seat

City Council Ward 4 · 1 seat

Four of the eight council seats are on the ballot, one in each ward. Voters in each ward choose one member; the other four seats are not up this year.

1 note on these statements

Ric Hallett was unable to attend the Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidate forum. Hastings Tribune · Sep 30, 2026

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Michael AndersonCouncilmember, Ward 12sourcedJay BeckbyMayor2sourcedLarry ConsbruckCouncilmember, Ward 22sourcedMaggie EschCouncilmember, Ward 31sourcedBrian HoffmanCouncilmember, Ward 42sourced

Start here

Match quiz5 questions · answers stay on your phoneSeat the CouncilPick winners, see the councilWhat council decidesGeneral fund shortfall and property tax, Restaurant tax and other new revenue, Term limits on appointed boardsKey datesDeadlines and vote centers

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Next date

First day of in-person early voting at the county clerk or election commissioner office

Mon, Oct 5, 2026

TodayAll key dates

What the next council decides

General fund shortfall and property tax

Where it standsThe council approved a 2026-27 property tax request of $9,886,943 on a 4-4 tie broken by the mayor. About $2.4 million in reserve cash is still needed to balance the general fund.

What's on the tableWhether and how to close the structural gap in future budgets through taxes, fees or cuts.

Restaurant tax and other new revenue

Where it standsA restaurant tax ordinance passed first reading in spring 2026 and died on second reading. Other options discussed include a higher sales tax and a higher lodging occupation tax.

What's on the tableWhether the council revisits a restaurant tax or other local taxes.

Term limits on appointed boards

Where it standsSince 2025, members of city boards and commissions are limited to two consecutive terms.

What's on the tableWhether the next council keeps, loosens or repeals the limits.

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 raise its property tax request to help cover the general fund shortfall?

  2. 2. Should the council consider new local taxes to close the gap?

  3. 3. Should Hastings adopt a restaurant tax?

  4. 4. Should the city freeze hiring for open positions?

  5. 5. What should the council do about the two-term limit on appointed boards?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

The seat math

5 stay (not up this year): Michael Anderson, Jay Beckby, Larry Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman4 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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