Election Information

Austin Public Schools is governed by a seven-member School Board elected at-large by district residents. Board members serve four-year terms and are elected during the November General Election on even years. 

The next school board general election is November 3, 2026. New terms begin January 4, 2027. There are four seats open for election in 2026.

November 3, 2026 Candidates

• Carolyn Dube
• Myron Matthew Grage
• Carol McAlister
• Peggy Young
• Dan Zielke

Absentee Voting Information - Mower County

Absentee voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election will begin on Friday, September 18, 2026.  The only absentee voting location in Mower County is at the Mower County Government Center at 201 1st Street NE, Austin.  Normal business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The last day to absentee vote is Monday, November 2, 2026.

In addition to the normal business hours, extended hours for absentee voting are:

• Saturday, October 24th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31st, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
•  Sunday, November 1st, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and 
• Monday, November 2nd, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Absentee ballots must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

Early Voting Information - Mower County

Early voting (placing ballots directly in ballot counters) begins October 16, 2026 during normal hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Extended hours are as follows:

• October 24 - Extended hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for in-person voting at the Mower County Government Center.
• October 27 - Extended hours from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM for in-person voting at the Mower County Government Center.
• October 31 - Extended hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for in-person voting at the Mower County Government Center.
• November 1 - Extended hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for in-person voting at the Mower County Government Center.
• November 2 - Last day for in-person early voting for the General Election (until 5:00 PM) at the Mower County Government Center.
• November 3 - General Election Day. City/Township polling locations open until 8:00 PM.

Freeborn County

Minnesota voters may choose to vote early by using an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place on Election Day.   Absentee ballots will be available starting September 18, 2026, at the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office at the County Government Center located at 411 Broadway Avenue South, Albert Lea, Minnesota.  Minnesotans no longer need an excuse to vote absentee—a reform also known as no-excuses absentee voting.

You can request, receive and cast an absentee ballot in one visit to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office for the State General Election:

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm September 18, 2026 through November 2, 2026
• Saturday, October 24, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday October 27, 2026 until 7:00 p.m. 
• Saturday October 31, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, November 1, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Monday, November 2, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To vote absentee by mail, complete and submit an absentee ballot application online at mnvotes.org or download an application from the website and mail, fax or e-mail it to the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office.   Election officials will mail the absentee ballot materials to you soon after receiving your application.  Be sure to follow the directions included with your ballot materials.

You can request an absentee ballot if you are not currently registered to vote – a voter registration form will be provided with your ballot.