By Rich Larson, KYMN News
Township elections in Rice and Dakota counties are set for Tuesday, March 10, and, much like last year, write-in votes will determine who fills several open seats. No affidavits of candidacy were filed for supervisor positions in Wells and Wheatland Townships, leaving those races entirely to write-ins.
Every Rice County township except Bridgewater—the only Rice County Township with a five-member board—has one supervisor’s seat up for election. Bridgewater and Forest Township each have two openings, though Forest’s ballot includes one full term and one partial term. Bridgewater (Seats C and E) and neighboring Webster Township will feature contested supervisor races.
Voters in Erin Township will again decide whether to appoint, rather than elect, its clerk and treasurer. Currently, Forest Township appoints its treasurer, and four Rice County townships appoint their clerk. Erin’s proposal narrowly failed last year, 54% to 46%.
Morristown Township will pose a different question: Should Election Day move to November’s General Election to align with other local, state, and federal contests?
The 10 Rice County townships that still elect clerks will also have that position on the ballot.
In Dakota County, Castle Rock and Eureka Townships there will be two supervisors seats on the ballot. Greenvale Township and Waterford Township will each have one supervisor position, and the town clerk position on the ballot.
It should be noted that Waterford Township has adopted a resolution to conduct all future elections by mail ballot, beginning with the March 2026 township election.
Each registered voter will be automatically mailed a ballot by the 21st day before each election. Ballots may be returned by mail or in person to Dakota County. Eligible voters who are not registered may apply for a ballot. A registered voter who will be absent from the precinct may apply to receive the ballot at a temporary address. Requests may be made online at MNVotes.gov or by contacting Dakota County Elections at
Poll hours and annual meeting times vary by township. Tuesday, Feb. 17 is the deadline to register to vote in advance, however Minnesota law does allow for voters to register at the polls on election day. Paper applications must reach the Rice County Elections Office by 5 p.m., while online registrations via the Minnesota Secretary of State’s secure site are accepted until 11:59 p.m.
Absentee voting runs Feb. 6–March 6 at the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional hours include Saturday, March 7 (10 a.m.–noon) and Monday, March 9 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Offices will close Feb. 16 for Presidents Day.
In Rice County, for full details on polling times and ballot questions, visit the Rice County Elections Office or the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. For information in Dakota County, email Elections@co.Dakota.mn.us or call 651-438-4305.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
