If you're looking to shape the future of Rice County at the most grassroots level, now's your chance as township board positions are up for grabs. Beginning on December 30, 2025, residents have the opportunity to file for seats on various township boards, with the filing period closing at 5 p.m. on January 13, 2026. According to a recent announcement from Rice County, clerk positions are up for election in 10 of the 14 townships, with appointments, not elections, filling this role in Bridgewater, Forest, Northfield, and Webster Townships.
Aspiring candidates must tick a few boxes before throwing their hat in the ring: They need to be eligible voters in Minnesota, have not filed for another office in the upcoming elections, and be at least 21 years old by the time they'd take office. Additionally, hopefuls should be able to boast of maintaining residence in their district for a minimum of 30 days before the general election. All candidates are required to file with the town clerk, and details on when and where to submit affidavits of candidacy may be obtained by contacting them directly. Interested in becoming a candidate? You'll need to drop a $2 filing fee along with the affidavit.
For those who change their minds about seeking public office, there's a short window to back out. Withdrawal from the race is allowed until January 15, just two days after the filing period ends. It all culminates in the township elections slated for March 10, when residents will cast their votes and make their voices heard. In Bridgewater and Forest Townships, voters will elect two supervisors, with one of the seats in Forest being a partial term that runs out in March 2027. The rest of the townships will elect one supervisor each, where clerks serve two-year terms and supervisors for three.
A list of township clerks and their contact information can be found in the Rice County announcement, allowing potential candidates to reach out for more information. And if you're looking for more in-depth coverage or have questions about the process, Rice County has provided publicly available contact details for Denise Anderson, the Property Tax and Elections Director, and Suzy Rook, the Communications Coordinator, ensuring that any inquiries won't fall on deaf ears.
