Special Elections
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. The following statutes govern special elections:
- Federal, state and county offices: Minnesota Statutes 204D.17-204D.29
- City and town offices and questions: Minnesota Statutes 205.10
- School district offices and questions: Minnesota Statutes 205A.05
Upcoming Special Elections
Most special elections occurring on August 11 or November 3, 2026 will not be listed here. Instead find special elections with these resources:
- What's on My Ballot will list upcoming elections for a particular address
- Candidate Finder will list upcoming special elections to fill vacancies and candidates as they are entered
- A list of ballot questions will be compiled after the notification deadline (84 days before each election)
Special Election Dates
Most special elections may only be held on one of the following five dates:
- Second Tuesday in February
- Second Tuesday in April
- Second Tuesday in May
- Second Tuesday in August
- First Tuesday after the first Monday in November
2026 Uniform Election Dates
- February 10
- April 14
- May 12
- August 11
- November 3
2027 Uniform Election Dates
- February 9
- April 13
- May 11
- August 10
- November 2