Stearns County declares District 4 vacancy; board sets special election timeline with August/November options

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners formally declared a vacancy in District 4 after Commissioner Lee Lenzmeier announced his retirement and set a special‑election schedule that would hold the election on common election dates in August and November, depending on whether a primary is required.

Why it matters: The decision starts the statutorily required special‑election process to fill a county commissioner seat. The board’s choice about which common election dates to use affects how quickly the district will be represented again and can change campaigning timelines and turnout.

What the board did: - The board first adopted a proclamation recognizing Commissioner Lenzmeier’s more than three decades of service and then moved to declare a vacancy in District 4. That declaration passed by voice vote. - The board then considered a resolution that lays out the special‑election schedule. County staff explained the timeline options: if a primary is required, the primary would occur in August and the general in November; if no primary is required, the resolution as drafted would schedule the general election on August 12. County elections staff said the dates in state law largely determine available options.

Key details and clarifications from staff: - Randy (county elections/administration staff) explained that “If there needs to be a primary, it would happen in August and November. If there doesn't need to be a primary… the general… would be in August.” - Laura Loudenback, Director of Elections, said District 4 contains about 13 precincts; if the board waits until November, the county would administer the District 4 election and share costs; holding the election in August would require similar precinct staffing and would not substantially change precinct count. - County staff stated the filing period would close in early June (filings close June 3 as referenced during the discussion) and early/absentee voting would begin late June (staff stated early voting would begin on June 27). Those dates affect campaign timelines and outreach.

Board vote and positions: - The motion to adopt the resolution as drafted — which allows the August date for the general if no primary is needed — passed 3–1. Commissioner Clark recorded a dissenting vote, expressing concern that an August general (with a short summer campaign window) would reduce voter attention and turnout.

Legal limit on appointment: - Board members asked whether the county could appoint a replacement instead of calling a special election. County staff, citing state law, said because the vacancy will exist for more than one year, the statute requires a special election rather than a temporary appointment.

Next steps: - The county auditor and elections staff will proceed with the timeline set by the board, publish filing deadlines, and prepare for either an August general (if only two candidates file) or the primary/general sequence if more candidates file. If only two candidates file and the board’s adopted language remains unchanged, the general election could be held in August; otherwise a primary could be scheduled in August and the general in November.

Quotes: - Randy (county elections staff): “If there needs to be a primary, it would happen in August and November.” - Commissioner Clark (dissenting): expressed concern about a short summer campaign window and lower turnout if the election is held in August.

What the vote means: The district will be without a seated commissioner until the special election winner is sworn in; the board discussed seating the winner promptly after certification in August or November. Staff said they will expedite swearing in once results are certified.