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Elections

 

Elections in the City of Dayton are managed by the City Clerk. If you have any questions about voting, how to register, where to vote, etc.  See the frequently asked questions below.  If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please send your questions to abenting@daytonmn.gov.

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Elections Information
Elections

The City Clerk administers city, state, and federal elections in even years.
The City’s school districts hold elections in odd or even years at their discretion.

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE
REGISTER TO VOTE
VIEW A SAMPLE BALLOT
ELECTION RESULTS
SCHOOL DISTRICT MAP
2026 Election Dates

Primary Election: August 11, 2026 from 7am-8pm
General Election: November 3, 2026 from 7am-8pm

MNvotes

Early Voting Dates & Location

For Primary Election:

Recent State Legislature changed to approve cities in Minnesota to decide whether to be open 46 days or the final 18 for early voting.

The City of Dayton chose the 18 days so Early Voting starts July 24, 2026, for the City of Dayton. Residents will fill out an Early Voting Certificate, fill out their ballot, and insert their ballot into the ballot machine.

Absentee voters would be able to return their ballot to City Hall during the entire 46-day Absentee Voting period; the City would not be able to hand out a ballot during that time. 

Voters have the options to vote:



For General Election:

Early Voting starts October 16, 2026, for the City of Dayton. Residents will fill out an Early Voting Certificate, fill out their ballot, and put their ballot into the ballot machine.

Absentee voters would be able to return their ballot to City Hall during the entire 46-day Absentee Voting period; the City would not be able to hand out a ballot during that time. 




Hours:  Monday-Thursday 7:30am – 5pm and Fridays 8am – 12pm

Dayton City Hall
12260 S. Diamond Lake Rd

Dayton, MN 55327

 

voting-location - Copy
Election Judges

Election Judge Application

Thank you for your interest in serving as an election judge.  
Please fill out the application completely and submit with these steps:
 
  • Download: Click the application below. The form will download automatically.
  • Save: Save the PDF file to a location on your computer.
  • Open: Navigate to the saved file on your device and open it with a PDF application (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader) for optimal performance. Do not open the form directly in your web browser, as this will prevent the submit function from working correctly.
  • Complete the form and use the built-in "Submit" button. This will generate an email with the application attached.
Dayton Election Judge Application


2026 election judge flyer
Caucus Finder and Information
This is a function run by the political parties, there is no input from our offices.

Please follow the link for more information on Caucus locations on February 3, 2026: Voting Information
Precinct Boundary Map
Precinct Map 2026
City Council Candidate Filings
Candidate Filing opens May 19, 2026 at 7:30am and closes June 2, 2026 at 5pm.

Candidate Filing Notice

How Do I Become a Candidate
  1. Candidate must be an eligible voter.
  2. Candidate is, or will be on assuming the office, 21 years of age or older.
  3. Candidate is not running for another office in the upcoming election.
  4. Maintained residence in the district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the general election. 

Candidates should seek their own legal counsel to ensure their efforts comply with the law.
Materials can be found here: Minnesota Secretary Of State - Filing for City Offices

Candidate filing fee is $5 cash or check (non-refundable).

Forms and Guides for Candidates

OSS Campaign Manual

OSS - Opening a Campaign Bank Account

Affidavit of Candidacy (County)

Affidavit of Candidacy (City & School District) Do not sign form until in front of the City Clerk or a notary.

Affidavit of Withdrawal

Petition in Place of Filing Fee

Certification of Filing

Campaign Financial Report

Learn More About the Candidates

State law does not allow local governments to post links or bios of candidates running for office. 

Visit the Secretary of State’s candidate filings website for lists of candidates and their websites, if they provided one. 

Council Pay

The Mayor is paid $6,210 annually.
Council Members are paid $4,968 annually.
IT or computer purchase allowance every two years for Mayor and Council members are $600. 

Campaign Financial Reports
Who Can Vote

To vote in Minnesota:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 & 18 year olds can pre-register)
  • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
  • Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction 
  • Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
Register to Vote
Ways to Vote

Vote by Mail

Vote Absentee In Person at Hennepin County Government Center

  • Absentee voting starts June 26, 2026 in person at the Hennepin County Government Center
    300 South 6th Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55487

    Absentee voters would be able to return their ballot to City Hall during the entire 46-day Absentee Voting period; the City would not be able to hand out a ballot during that time.

Vote Early In Person at Dayton City Hall

  • Early Voting starts July 24, 2026, for the City of Dayton.

Vote on Election Day

  • Find your polling place at: Voter Information Portal

  • Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you can vote

  • You can register to vote on Election Day in Minnesota

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Wright County 2026 Notice of Filing
Hennepin County 2026 Notice of Filing