By Rich Larson
The Northfield School Board could be faced with appointing a new member following the November election if voters do not elect a write-in candidate to fill the third of three seats on this year’s ballot.
Incumbents Ben Miller and Jeff Quinnell are currently the only candidates whose names will appear on the ballot. Miller is seeking his second term on the board, while Quinnell is seeking his fifth.
Board member Jenny Nelson and challenger Tristan Cox had also filed for election, but both subsequently withdrew their names, leaving only two candidates for three available seats.
Northfield Superintendent Dr. Tim Anderson said voters will still be allowed to vote for up to three candidates in November. Write-in votes will be counted along with votes for Miller and Quinnell, and the three highest vote-getters would be declared elected.
That means a write-in candidate could win the third seat with a relatively small number of votes, depending on how many people receive write-in support. However, Anderson noted that a person receiving enough write-in votes to win is not required to accept the position.
If only Miller and Quinnell are elected and willing to serve, or if the leading write-in candidate declines the seat, Anderson said the School Board would then appoint someone to fill the vacancy in accordance with Minnesota law.
That appointee would serve temporarily, with a special election eventually held to fill the seat.
Anderson said situations like this are uncommon but not unprecedented. He also expressed optimism that Northfield’s strong tradition of civic involvement could produce people interested in serving, either through a write-in campaign or, if necessary, through the appointment process.
Miller and Quinnell will be seeking new four-year terms in the November general election. Unless a write-in candidate successfully claims the third position, the responsibility for selecting another member will fall to the School Board.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
