Ward 3 voters in Champlin will be heading to the polls a little earlier than usual this election cycle. The city has called a special election for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to fill the unexpired Ward 3 city council seat. Candidate filing opens Tuesday, March 3, and runs through March 17, with paperwork submitted at Champlin City Hall and a $5 filing fee. Absentee voting starts March 27, and on election day Ward 3 residents will cast their ballots at Servant of Christ Lutheran Church.
Filing Window, Fee And Where To Apply
The official candidate filing period runs March 3 through 17, and would-be council members have to submit their forms at Champlin City Hall, according to City of Champlin. The city notes that the filing fee for the Ward 3 seat is $5, and the clerk's office will offer extended hours on Tuesday, March 17, to accept last-minute filings. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the clerk to pick up nomination packets and confirm residency requirements before they step into the race.
Absentee And Early Voting
Hennepin County's election calendar shows absentee voting for the May special opening on March 27 and running through May 11, which gives voters several weeks to take care of their ballot ahead of the May 12 election. As outlined by Hennepin County Elections, residents can either request a mail ballot or vote in person during the absentee period, then use the county's tracking tools to confirm that their ballot was received.
Where To Vote On Election Day
On May 12, polling places will be assigned by ward: Ward 1 at Mississippi Crossings Event Center, Ward 2 at Champlin Ice Forum, Ward 3 at Servant of Christ Lutheran Church, and Ward 4 at Jackson Middle School, per City of Champlin. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters who are unsure of their precinct can double check their assigned polling place using the Secretary of State's Poll Finder.
What Residents And Candidates Should Do Now
Anyone thinking about running for the Ward 3 seat should grab nomination paperwork from the city clerk and file before the March 17 deadline. The city's elections page includes the necessary forms and procedural details for getting on the ballot. Voters who want to request an absentee ballot or confirm their registration can find step-by-step instructions and ballot request forms on Hennepin County's elections site. For background on the vacancy that led to this special election, residents can look back at Hoodline's coverage of the earlier Ward 3 vacancy and the interim appointment for added context.
