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Cass County Board declares District 3 vacancy, sets special election for Nov. 3, 2026
Summary
The Cass County Board adopted Resolution No. 12-26 to declare the District 3 commissioner seat vacant following the death of Commissioner Rusty Lilyquist and set filing dates and special election timelines under Minnesota law.
The Cass County Board of Commissioners on March 3 adopted Resolution No. 12-26 declaring the County Commissioner District 3 seat vacant following the death of Rusty Lilyquist on Feb. 7, 2026. Elections Administrator Pam Smith told the board the vacancy triggers a special election under Minnesota Statute 375.101 and presented a proposed timeline for filing and elections.
Under the resolution the filing period for candidates opens Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Office of the County Auditor‑Treasurer‑Recorder in Walker. The Board set a special primary, if necessary, for Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, and the special election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Smith noted that the statute requires a special election where more than one year remains in the term and that election logistics (including whether a primary is needed) affect timing and costs.
Commissioner Scott Bruns offered the resolution and Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk seconded. The Board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 12‑26.
The special‑election schedule adopted by the Board is intended to balance the statutory deadlines, administrative preparation and cost considerations while ensuring District 3 has representation for the remainder of the term, which expires Jan. 8, 2029.
