Multiple key local offices set for 2026 Stutsman County ballots

Voters in Stutsman County will have a broad slate of local contests on the 2026 ballots, with a primary set for June 9 and the general election on Nov. 3. Prospective candidates may begin circulating petitions Jan. 1, and completed petitions must be turned in by 4 p.m. April 6, creating a clear timetable for anyone considering a run.

County offices on the ballot include sheriff, state’s attorney and three Stutsman County Commission seats. City of Jamestown voters will decide municipal leadership and oversight positions in June, including mayor, two city council seats, municipal judge and three seats on the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Commission. Jamestown Public School Board contests also will be on the June ballot, with three city trustee seats and two rural trustee seats up for election.

The filing guide spells out signature and filing requirements for each office and identifies deadlines that candidates must meet. Signature thresholds and submission procedures vary by office; prospective candidates should confirm the exact number of signatures required and the appropriate filing location well before the April deadline. Completed petitions are due at the filing office by the stated 4 p.m. cutoff.

These local races carry tangible consequences for daily life in Stutsman County. The sheriff and state’s attorney shape public safety priorities and prosecutorial practices. County commissioners make budgeting and policy decisions that affect roads, public services and property taxes. Jamestown’s mayor and council influence downtown development, utilities and local ordinances, while the parks commission oversees recreation assets used by families across the county. The school board controls district policy, curriculum oversight and budgetary priorities that directly impact classroom resources and staffing.

Timing matters for campaigners and voters alike. The June primary will be the first major test for many local contests; in some races, the primary could effectively decide outcomes if few candidates qualify for the general election. That makes early petition circulation and voter awareness especially important for both those running and residents tracking leadership changes.

For practical steps: prospective candidates should begin organizing petition efforts now, confirm signature requirements for their specific office, and plan to submit paperwork by the April 6 4 p.m. deadline. Voters should mark June 9 and Nov. 3 on their calendars and watch for candidate information and sample ballots as the filing window closes.

The takeaway? If you care about policing, county spending, parks, or local schools, this is a year to pay attention. Our two cents? If you’re thinking of running, start collecting signatures early; if you’re a voter, show up in June and make sure your voice counts.