Dickinson City Commission calls special election for Aug. 18 to fill vacant seat

The Dickinson City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to call a special election for Monday, Aug. 18, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner John Oderman.

City Administrator Dossinger told the commission that a petition invoking North Dakota Century Code procedures had been filed: the city’s 2024 turnout figure required 144 signatures to trigger a special election and the city received 304 signatures. He said the date was chosen to meet statutory publication requirements and local calendar constraints.

The commission’s vote came on a motion by Commissioner Bair and a second noted in the record; Commissioners voted aye. Dossinger said the approved call triggers a series of statutory dates: publication on May 14; petitions circulation beginning May 16; candidate petitions due by 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, June 15 (City Hall will be open 2–4 p.m. that day to accept late packets); absentee ballots available July 9; campaign disclosures may begin July 10 with a July 18 disclosure deadline.

Dossinger said the petition threshold to appear on the ballot is 247 signatures and that staff will publish the timeline on the City of Dickinson website. He also confirmed the city will run the election itself.

Why it matters: The special election fills an elected seat on the Dickinson City Commission less than six months before the next regular city election, giving voters a chance to choose a replacement instead of a city appointment. The commission framed the timeline to comply with North Dakota statutory requirements and to give prospective candidates a clear filing window.

Looking ahead: Staff will publish additional details and candidate forms on the city website and provide administrative dates and instructions for candidates and voters as the election timeline progresses.