Minnesota residents are wearing red "I Voted" stickers today after their trip to the polls to vote in the midterm elections.
Hutchinson residents didn't have many decisions to make for city races at the polls. The main city issue on the ballot was Council Member Seat 2. Preliminary results from all precincts show challenger Dave Sebesta (3,205 votes) defeated incumbent John Lofdahl (1,755 votes) with a split of 64 percent to 35 percent.
Gary Forcier is the only mayoral candidate and Mary Christensen is the only candidate for Council Member Seat 1. The Hutchinson School Board only had four candidates to fill its three seats; Many school districts in McLeod and Meeker County saw similar situations.
Preliminary results show Glencoe-Silver Lake School District voters turned down a referendum asking for a 10-year increase to the operating levy by $460 per pupil. The levy would have replaced the $176.88 per pupil levy set to expire after 2019 taxes, but 2,850 voters (56.55 percent) voted "no" on the question. Without a levy, administrators expect larger cuts will have to be made to school programming than would otherwise be necessary.
Rep. Dean Urdahl and Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen were challenged for their respective District 18A and District 18B seats on the Minnesota House of Representatives. With 33 of 37 precincts reporting, Urdahl appears to have defeated his DFL opponent, Justin Vold, by roughly 45 points (70.14 percent to 23.87 percent). With 47 of 48 precincts reporting, Gruenhagen shows a lead over DFL candidate Ashley Latzke of roughly 35 points (67.31 percent to 32.57 percent).
Two years ago, Urdahl ran unopposed. But in addition to Vold this year, he faced Kyle Greene and Jill Galvan. Gruenhagen's race looks similar to 2016 when he defeated Darrel H. Mosel with 13,167 votes (67.8 percent).
According to data provided by McLeod County, 71.55 percent of registered voters in the county cast a ballot. Helen Township was the precinct with the highest turnout: 77.82 percent of the 550 registered voters had their voice heard in the election.
McLeod County voters are known for their better-than-average turnout. This year's 71.55 percent is a bump up from the last midterm election in 2016, when 61.85 percent of registered voters cast a ballot, which was down from 65 percent in 2010.
This story will be updated Wednesday morning. Results are currently preliminary, and unofficial until after canvassing.
HUTCHINSON RACES
Council Member Seat 2
With 3 of 3 precincts reporting, Dave Sebesta appears to have won.
- John K. Lofdahl: 35.27 percent with 1,755 votes.
- Dave Sebesta: 64.41 percent with 3,205 votes.
Council Member Seat 1
- Mary Christensen: 98 percent with 4,492 votes.
- Write-in: 43 votes.
Mayor
- Gary T Forcier: 97 percent with 4,581 votes.
- Write-in: 2 percent with 127 votes.
Hutchinson School District, three members
With 14 of 14 precincts reporting all three incumbent candidates received more than 4,700 votes.
- Joshua Gehlen: 4,911 votes
- Mike Carls: 4,751 votes
- JoEllen Kimball: 4,869 votes
- Write-in: 107 ballots
Voters could pick up to three candidates.
CONTESTED RACES IN OTHER MCLEOD COUNTY CITIES
Glencoe-Silver Lake: Should the school's operating levy be increased by $460 per pupil with local taxes? The revenue would increase each year by the rate of inflation, for 10 years.
With 25 of 25 precincts reporting, the referendum appears not to have passed.
- Yes: 43.45 percent with 2,190 votes.
- No: 56.55 percent with 2,850 votes.
Biscay City Council Member
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Leroy Knoll appears to have won by one vote.
- Donovan Dose: 40 percent with 29 votes.
- Leroy Knoll: 42 percent with 30 votes.
- Write-in: 16 percent with 12 votes.
Brownton City Council Member
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Douglas Block appears to have won with 190 votes.
- Curt Carrigan: 45 percent with 186 votes.
- Douglas A. Block: 46 percent with 190 votes.
- Write-in: 8 percent with 37 votes.
Glencoe City Council Member at Large
With 4 of 4 precincts reporting, Allen Robeck appears to have won.
- Allen Robeck: 55 percent with 1,120 votes.
- Michael Drew: 43 percent with 877 votes.
Lester Prairie City Council, elect two
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Lucas Meyer and Ron Foust appear to have won.
- Paul Dhoore: 23.39 percent with 243 votes.
- Lucas Meyer: 33.21 percent with 345 votes.
- Ron Foust: 40.33 percent with 419 votes.
Silver Lake Mayor
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Dorthy "Dot" Butler appears to have won.
- Bruce Bebo: 41 percent with 142 votes.
- Dorothy "Dot" Butler: 58 percent with 199 votes.
- Write-in: 2 ballots.
Silver Lake City Council, two seats
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Josh Winfrey and Chris Penaz appear to have won.
- Josh Winfrey: 38 percent with 218 votes.
- Joshua M. Mason: 26 percent with 150 votes.
- Chris Penaz: 30 percent with 169 votes.
Winsted Mayor
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Steve Stotko appears to have won.
- Steve Stotko: 58 percent with 489 votes.
- Glenn Weibel: 40 percent with 340 votes.
MCLEOD COUNTY AND STATE RACES
The only McLeod County race with multiple candidates was for Soil and Water Supervisor District 2, but voters had choices to make for State Representative District 18A, State Representative District 18B, U.S. Representative District 7, two U.S. Senate seats and more.
Several county races only had one candidate, the incumbent, including the races for District 2 McLeod County Board member and District 4 McLeod County Board member.
McLeod County Soil and Water Supervisor District 2
With 28 of 28 precincts reporting, Gary Templin appears to have won.
- Roger V. Schultz: 45 percent with 5,577 votes.
- Gary Templin: 54 percent with 6,636 votes.
State Representative District 18A
With 36 of 37 precincts reporting, Dean Urdahl has the lead.
- Dean Urdahl, Republican: 70.14 percent with 10,661 votes.
- Justin Vold, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 23.87 percent with 3,628 votes.
- Kyle Greene, Independent — Judicial Reform: 3.95 percent with 601 votes.
- Jill Galvan, Libertarian Party: 1.98 percent with 301 votes.
The district includes Watkins, Kingston, Grove City, Litchfield, Darwin, Dassel, Cokato, Cosmos, Cedar Mills and the west half of Hutchinson.
State Representative District 18B
With 47 of 48 precincts reporting, Glenn Gruenhagen has the lead.
- Glenn Gruenhagen, Republican: 67.31 percent with 9,770 votes.
- Ashley Latzke, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 32.57 percent with 4,727 votes.
The district includes Hutchinson’s east side, Winsted, Silver Lake, Biscay, Stewart, Brownton, Glencoe, Plato, New Auburn, Green Isle, Gibbon, Winthrop, Gaylord, Arlington and Le Sueur.
U.S. Senator
With 83 of 87 counties reporting, Amy Klobuchar has the lead.
- Jim Newberger, Republican: 35.90 percent with 900,518 votes.
- Amy Klobuchar, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 60.62 percent with 1,520,781 votes.
- Dennis Schuller, Legal Marijuana Now: 2.55 percent with 64,000 votes
- Paula M Overby, Minnesota Green Party: 0.89 percent with 22,450 votes
U.S. Senator Special Election
With 83 of 87 counties reporting, Tina Smith has the lead.
- Karin Housley, Republican: 42.01 percent with 1,050,133 votes.
- Tina Smith, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 53.31 percent with 1,332,636 votes.
- Sarah Wellington, Legal Marijuana Now: 3.69 percent with 92,227 votes.
- Jerry Trooien, unaffiliated: 0.94 percent with 23,428 votes.
In a press release, Housley said she had conceded the race.
U.S. Representative District 7
With 1289 of 1,329 precincts reporting, the race is tight.
- Dave Hughes, Republican: 47.76 percent with 128,964 votes.
- Collin C. Peterson, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 52.19 percent with 140,933 votes.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
With 84 of 87 counties reporting, Tim Walz has the lead.
- Jeff Johnson and Donna Bergstrom, Republican: 42.16 percent with 1,059,859 votes.
- Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 54.10 percent with 1,359,993 votes.
- Chris Wright and Judith Schwartzbacker, Grassroots — Legalize Cannabis: 2.66 percent with 66.767 votes.
- Josh Welter and Mary O'Connor, Libertarian: 1.04 percent with 26,106 votes.
Jeff Johnson has conceded.
Secretary of State
With 84 of 87 counties reporting, Steve Simon has the lead.
- John Howe, Republican: 43.33 percent with 1,070,492 votes.
- Steve Simon, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 52.54 percent with 1,297,938 votes.
- William Denney, Independence: 4.07 percent with 100,534 votes.
State Auditor
Julie Blaha has the lead with 84 of 87 counties reporting.
- Pam Myhra, Republican: 42.94 percent with 1,057,392 votes.
- Julie Blaha, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 49.62 percent with 1,221,824 votes.
- Michael Ford, Legal Marijuana Now: 5.28 percent with 130,076 votes.
- Chris Dock, Libertarian Party: 2.10 percent with 51,774 votes.
Attorney General
With 83 of 87 counties reporting, the race is tight.
- Doug Wardlow, Republican: 44.73 percent with 1,102,734 votes.
- Keith Ellison, Democratic-Farmer-Labor: 49.32 percent with 1,215,810 votes.
- Noah M. Johnson, Grassroots — Legalize Cannabis: 5.7 percent with 140,576 votes.
UNCONTESTED MCLEOD COUNTY RACES:
McLeod County Board Member District 4
- Joe Nagel: 97 percent with 2,341 votes.
- Write-in: 53 ballots.
The district covers the northwest quarter of Hutchinson, a portion of northeast Hutchinson, Hutchinson Township and Acoma Township.
McLeod County Board Member District 2
Doug Krueger: 98 percent with 2,484 votes.
Write-in: 1 percent with 39.
The district covers the southeast portion of the county, including Glencoe and Plato, Glencoe Township and Helen Township.
McLeod County Auditor-Treasurer
Connie M. Kurtzweg: 99 percent with 12,342 votes.
Write-in: 80 ballots.
McLeod County Recorder
Lynn Ette Schrupp: 99 percent with 12,303 votes.
Write-in: 47 votes.
McLeod County Sheriff
Scott Rehmann: 98 percent with 12,727 votes.
Write-in: 1 percent with 147 ballots.
McLeod County Attorney
Michael Junge: 98 percent with 12,022 votes.
Write-in: 177 ballots.
McLeod County Soil and Water Conservation District 1
Charles W. Mathews: 99 percent with 12,088 votes.
Write-in: 47 votes.
CONTESTED SCHOOL BOARD RACES IN MCLEOD COUNTY
Glencoe-Silver Lake School Board, three members
With 25 of 25 precincts reporting, Alicia Luckhardt, Jason Linderman and Jonathan Lemke appear to have won.
- Alicia Luckhardt: 18.26 percent with 2,130 votes.
- Andrea Janke: 15.84 percent with 1,848 votes.
- Valerie Bandas: 16.12 percent with 1,880 votes.
- James R. Entinger: 7.62 percent with 889 votes.
- Jason Lindeman: 21.55 percent with 2.513 votes.
- Jonathan Lemke: 20.22 percent with 2,358 votes.
Voters could pick up to three candidates.
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart School Board, three members
With 15 of 15 precincts reporting, Brian Luthens, Samantha Best and Brad Dobberstein appear to have won.
- Brian Luthens: 14.52 percent with 610 votes.
- Kevin Zanoth: 9.59 percent with 403 votes.
- Sherry Kenney: 4.88 percent with 205 votes.
- Alyssa Homan: 12.61 percent with 530 votes.
- Samantha Best: 16.73 percent with 703 votes.
- Brad Dobberstein: 19.21 percent with 807 votes.
- Dakota Krumrey: 11.23 percent with 472 votes.
- Allen Watkins: 11.07 percent with 465 votes.
Voters could pick up to three candidates.
CONTESTED RACES IN MEEKER COUNTY
Meeker County Board Member District 5
With 7 of 7 precincts reporting, Steve Schmitt appears to have won.
- Jeff Niedenthal: 36.83 percent with 653 votes.
- Steve Schmitt: 62.89 percent with 1,115 votes.
Litchfield Mayor
With 5 of 5 precincts reporting, Keith Johnson appears to have won.
- Ron Dingmann: 38.36 percent with 987 votes.
- Darlene Kotelnicki: 19.20 percent with 494 votes.
- Keith Johnson: 42.36 percent with 1,090 votes.
Litchfield City Council Member Ward 1
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Eric Mathwig appears to have won.
- Joseph Mortimer: 42.75 percent with 236 votes.
- Eric L Mathwig: 56.88 percent with 314 votes.
Litchfield City Council Member Ward 5
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Sara Miller appears to have won.
- Sara Miller: 69.48 percent with 280 votes.
- Robert Powers: 30.52 percent with 123 votes.
Cedar Mills City Council, two seats
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Robert Mortensen and James McCarthy appear to have won.
- Robert L Mortensen: 48.65 percent with 18 votes.
- James McCarthy: 45.95 percent with 17 votes.
- Dennis Olson: 5.41 percent with 2 votes.
Dassel City Council, two seats
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Thomas Weseloh and James Hallquist appear to have won.
- Thomas Weseloh: 37.93 percent with 382 votes.
- James Hallquist: 41.61 percent with 419 votes.
- Larry Oberg: 19.36 percent with 195 votes.
Eden Valley Mayor
With 2 of 2 precincts reporting, Brent Bengtson appears to have won.
- Brent Bengtson: 64.74 percent with 224 votes.
- Michael Kalahar: 34.10 percent with 118 votes.
Eden Valley City Council, two seats
With 2 of 2 precincts reporting, Janie Sheets and Dan Thielen appear to have won.
- Janice Sheets: 38.49 percent with 224 votes.
- Michael T. Keleven: 28.35 percent with 165 votes.
- Dan Thielen: 31.62 percent with 184 votes.
Voters could select up to two candidates.
Grove City Mayor
- No official candidates. There were 113 write-in ballots.
Watkins Mayor
With 1 of 1 precinct reporting, Frank Eder appears to have won.
- Frank Eder: 51.14 percent with 180 votes.
- Brenda Carlson: 46.02 percent with 162 votes.
- Write-in: 9 ballots.
Litchfield School Board, three members
With 20 of 20 precincts reporting, Greg Mathews, Marcia Provencher and Dan Hansen appear to have won.
- Greg Mathews: 25.33 percent with 2,732 votes.
- Marcia Provencher: 28.67 percent with 3,092 votes.
- Dan Hansen: 25.59 percent with 2,437 votes.
- Darrin Anderson: 23.03 percent with 2,484 votes.
Voters could select up to three candidates.
Dassel-Cokato School Board, three members
With 14 of 14 precincts reporting, Bill Aho, Chuck Nelson and Katherine Grochow appear to have won.
- Rebecca Clemen: 20.51 percent with 2,165 votes.
- Chuck Nelson: 25.43 percent with 2,684 votes.
- Katherine Grochow: 23.81 percent with 2,513 votes.
- Bill Aho: 29.39 percent with 3,102 votes.
Voters could select up to three candidates.
Dassel-Cokato School Board Special Election
With 14 of 14 precincts reporting, Andrew Engh appears to have won.
- Dawn Gillman: 46.78 percent with 2,046 votes.
- Andrew Engh: 52.86 percent with 2,312 votes.
Kimball School Board, three members
With 8 of 8 precincts reporting, Brian Becker, Kurt R. Helgeson and Tom Schriener seem to have won.
- Eric Helgeson: 21.77 percent with 872 votes.
- Brian Becker: 27.12 percent with 1,086 votes.
- Kurt R. Helgeson: 22.5 percent with 901 votes.
- Tom Schriener: 26.94 percent with 1,079 votes.
Voters could select up to three candidates.
SCHOOL REFERENDUMS
Eden Valley-Watkins: Should the school be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $8 million for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities?
With 11 of 11 precincts reporting, the "yes" votes seem to have won.
- Yes: 52.93 percent with 1,085 votes.
- No: 47.07 percent with 965 votes.
Dassel-Cokato: Do you support an operating levy increase of $650 per pupil to be collected from property taxes? The revenue would increase each year by the rate of inflation, for 10 years.
With 14 of 14 precincts reporting, the referendum appears to have passed.
- Yes: 52.88 percent with 2,581 votes.
- No: 47.12 percent with 2,300 votes.
Dassel-Cokato: If the previous question is approved, should the school be authorized to issue bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $16.25 million to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities?
With 14 of 14 precincts reporting, the bond proposal appears to have been defeated.
- Yes: 47.07 percent with 2,257 votes.
- No: 52.93 percent with 2,538 votes.
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City: Should the school be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15.5 million for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities?
With 22 of 22 precincts reporting, "yes" votes appear to have won.
- Yes: 50.44 percent with 1,266 votes.
- No: 49.56 percent with 1,244 votes.
