By Rich Larson
Northfield voters head to the polls today to choose three new City Council members and fill three seats on the Northfield School Board. One of the School Board seats could be decided by write-in votes.
The council will have three new faces in January. Councilors Davin Sokup, Jessica Peterson White and Kathleen Holmes all decided not to seek re-election.
In the citywide At-Large race, Katy Vondrasek faces Adam Wale. Vondrasek was the top vote-getter in the August primary with just over 61% of the vote. Wale finished second with 25%. A third candidate, Thor Keilen, was eliminated.
In Ward 4, Peder Jothen and James Clinton are competing for Peterson White’s seat. Jothen took 65% of the primary vote and Clinton 26%.
In Ward 1, Sean Allen and Kris Johnson are running to succeed Holmes.
The School Board race has drawn quite a bit of attention. Three seats are open, but only incumbent Ben Miller and Jeff Quinnell appear on the ballot. Board member Jenny Nelson and challenger Tristan Cox withdrew after filing, leaving a space on the board after the filing deadline.
Alyssa Melby is running as a write-in candidate for the third seat. Melby directs the Svoboda Center for Civic Engagement at St. Olaf College and previously led the Northfield Arts Guild. She said she entered the race because she did not want to leave the third seat to chance.
Voters may choose up to three School Board candidates, and the three highest vote-getters win, write-ins included. Anyone supporting Melby must write her name in the write-in space on the ballot, and fill in the circle on the ballot next to the spot where her name is written. Superintendent Tim Anderson said that if no write-in candidate is elected, or the winner declines the seat, the board would appoint someone under Minnesota law.
Further up the ballot, Northfielders will also, of course, vote for governor, U.S. Senate and the 2nd Congressional District.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed vote. Residents who are not registered can register at their polling place by bringing one proof of residence. Voters can find their polling place at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or in KYMN’s 2026 Election Guide at kymnradio.net. Voters who still have an absentee ballot at home should return it to the election office that mailed it by 8 p.m. today.
Unofficial results will be posted on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website after polls close.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
