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Detroit Lakes Election Filing Deadline Passes, Candidate Lists Set

By Karen Downing Jul 29, 2026 | 1:09 PM

Detroit Lakes , MN (KDLM)-

Filing for local elected offices has closed in Detroit Lakes, with multiple contested races for both City Council and the School Board.

Detroit Lakes City Council will have contested races in all three wards. In Ward 1, incumbent Shaun Carlson will face Lindsey Cooksey. Ward 2 candidates are Zachary Foltz and Marga Ybarra. In Ward 3, incumbent Matt Boeke will face former council member Natalie Bly.

Three candidates also filed for the city’s at-large council seats: incumbent Jaimie Deraney, along with Celeste Koppe and Thomas Klyve.

Detroit Lakes Officer of Elections Katrene Lende says nine candidates have filed for three seats on the Detroit Lakes School Board. 

Incumbents Mary Rotter and Michelle Okeson are seeking re-election. They will be joined on the ballot by Janine Schneider, Gregory Mark Johnson, Jonathon Melgaard, Kurt Christianson, Katie Large, Emmeline Bartnes and Tim Grzybowski.

The three School Board seats carry four-year terms. 

Local elections are an important part of community life, and every vote helps shape the future of Detroit Lakes.

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