Elections and Voter Registration                                                                                 


 The Wadena County Auditor's Office provides voter registration and election administration for federal, state and county elections. Duties include maintenance of voter registration records, candidate filings, ballot preparation, absentee voting, election results reporting, campaign finance reporting, and providing election related information to the public. The office also provides voter registration and administrative support to cities and schools who administer their local elections.

**Recruiting Election Judges**

Election judges are temporary, paid employees of local election officials trained to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections and is a great service to the community.

To become an election judge, contact your local city. town, or county election office or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Contact Us

  1. Christine Kempenich
    Elections Coordinator

    Auditor/Treasurer Office

    Email

    415 Jefferson Street South
    Wadena, MN 56482

    Phone: 218-631-7792
    Fax: 218-631-7652

    Hours

    Monday - Friday
    8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    Closed Holidays and Weekends

    Staff Directory


Election District Documents

UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

Township Election: March 10, 2026,

Vote at your local township polling place. 

Primary Election:  August 11, 2026

Early filing period for Feral, State, Judicial, County, City & School district offices, open May 19, 2026, thru June 6, 2026. 
Absentee Voting:  June 26, 2026, thru August 10, 2026
Absentee voting will also be open:  August 1, 2026, from 9am - 3pm 

If the Primary is not possible then: 
Late filing period for City & School district offices opens July 28, 2026, thru August 11, 2026 

General Election: November 3, 2026

Absentee Voting opens: September 18, 2026, thru November 2, 2026
Absentee voting will be available these days also per state laws: 
October 24, 2026: 9am - 3pm 
October 27, 2026:  8am - 7 pm 
October 31, 2026:   9am - 3pm 
November 1, 2026:  9am - 3pm
November 2, 2026: 8am - 5 pm 

Special elections are used to fill vacant offices or decide ballot questions; they can be scheduled at various times during the year and may be held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled election.