Slightly Higher Shakopee Voter Turnout Anticipated

While Shakopee City Clerk Judy Cox isn’t expecting a banner turnout for Tuesday’s local elections, she would be happy if it was higher than average.

“We do have a large number of candidates,” she said. “That could generate a little more turnout.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Shakopee residents will choose a mayor, two city councilors and three school board candidates. Fifteen candidates are vying for those positions.

and  are running for mayor. The nine candidates running for city council include , , , , , , , and . Running for school board are , ,  and . 

Typically in an off-election year, or one without national elections, about 25 percent of local residents cast a ballot, Cox estimated.

Twelve polling places throughout Shakopee will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. Residents can also register to vote at a polling location—people must vote in their designated precinct, which is determined by neighborhood.

“You can’t just vote somewhere while you’re on your morning jog,” Cox said with a laugh.

To determine which precinct is yours, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

To vote in Minnesota, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days, and be properly registered.

Any Scott County resident who can't make it to the polls on Nov. 8 can vote absentee from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Scott County Courthouse, 200 Fourth Ave. W., in Shakopee. Voting on Nov. 5 is similar to voting on Election Day and people can register to vote that day, as well.

For more election information, contact the Shakopee City Clerk's Office at (952) 233-9300.