what's on my ballot? Voters head to polls Tuesday, Nov. 3

Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day, and nearly 40 percent of Rock County’s registered voters have already cast their ballots in early voting.
Those who haven’t returned their mail ballots are advised to do so soon or in person, since there are competing messages about accepting mail ballots that come in after the Nov. 3 post mark.
In addition to voting for president, Rock County voters will choose between DFL incumbent Tina Smith for U.S. Senate and her Republican challenger Jason Lewis. Kevin O’Connor and Oliver Steinberg are also on the ballot.
For Rock County’s District 1 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Jim Hagedorn and DFL Dan Feehan are on the ticket with Grassroots candidate Bill Rood.
In the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives, Rock County falls in District 22 and 22A, respectively.
Running for Senate are Republican Bill Weber, Luverne, DFL candidate Shawna Marshall, Luverne, and Grassroots candidate Brian Abrahamson, Luverne.
Running for Minnesota House in District 22A are Republican Joe Schomacker, Luverne, and DFL candidate Chris Baumberger, Slayton.
In Rock County’s County Commissioner Districts 1, 3 and 5, Gary Overgaard, Greg Burger and Jody Reisch are seeking re-election unopposed.
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian and Councilman Dan Nath are seeking re-election unopposed, and Scott Viessman filed for the Ward 2 seat vacated by Councilwoman Lori Hallstrom who did not seek re-election.
Elections for mayor and two council seats are on the ballot in all of Rock County’s cities, and all are running unopposed except for Hills, where Arlen Leenderts is challenging incumbent Keith Elbers for mayor.
For Hills City Council, Ross Metzger is seeking election, but no one filed for the other open seat on the council.
On the Luverne School Board, David Wrigg, Jeff Stratton and Tim Jarchow are seeking election to the three open seats.
In the Hills-Beaver Creek School District, Chris Harnack, Tamara Rauk and Tim Bosch are running for the three open seats.
Voters will also choose among judges, township supervisors and soil and water district supervisors, none of which are contested.
Martin Township voters will see two questions on their ballots: Whether or not the township board can appoint a clerk and treasurer. Both are currently elected positions.
A sample ballot appeared in the Oct. 22 Star Herald, and it can be viewed on the Rock County website, co.rock.mn.us.
Also, click on the “What’s on my ballot?” link on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, sos.mn.us.