Absentee and Early Voting Now Open for Nov. 4th General School Elections in Dakota County
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA - Absentee voting is now underway for the November 4, 2025, general election, with five school districts in Dakota County holding elections this fall.
Where and How to Vote Absentee
Voters may cast an absentee ballot at the Dakota County Administration Center, the Western Service Center, or at their local school district office. Absentee ballots can also be requested online through the Minnesota Absentee Ballot Request system.
After receiving a ballot, voters must follow the enclosed instructions and return the ballot using the provided envelopes. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.
Early (Direct) Balloting
Beginning October 17, voters will have another option: early direct balloting. This process allows voters to request an absentee ballot in person and place it directly into a tabulator, just as they would on Election Day.
What’s on the Ballot
Several important school board and levy questions will be decided this fall:
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (ISD 196): General election for three school board seats, plus a special election for one school board seat and a capital project levy referendum.
Farmington (ISD 192): A referendum proposing a per-pupil revenue increase.
Cannon Falls (ISD 252): A referendum proposing a per-pupil revenue increase.
Lakeville (ISD 194): A special school board election and a capital project levy renewal.
Hastings (ISD 200): A special school board election.
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Levy Question
The capital project levy authorization (Question 1) seeks approval for a levy of 5.015% of the district’s net tax capacity, raising an estimated $15.4 million annually starting in 2026, over 10 years. The district projects a total of $154.6 million in funding for technology initiatives.
Funds would be used for:
Safety and security systems
Digital curriculum and classroom technology
Network infrastructure upgrades
Technology support and maintenance
Expansion of computer science and career technical education opportunities
If approved, this levy will partially replace an existing authorization set to expire after taxes payable in 2025. Officials note that a “YES” vote will result in a property tax increase.
Farmington Levy Question
The Farmington School Board (ISD 192) has proposed a referendum to increase general education revenue by $1,236.60 per pupil. If approved, the authorization would:
Begin with taxes payable in 2026
Last for ten years
Increase annually with inflation starting in 2027
Continue unless revoked or reduced by law
The district notes that a “YES” vote will result in a property tax increase.
Cannon Falls Levy Question
The Cannon Falls Area Schools Board (ISD 252) has proposed to increase general education revenue by $950 per pupil, subject to an annual inflation adjustment. If approved, the authorization would:
Be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026
Remain in place for ten years unless revoked or reduced by law
A “YES” vote would approve the increase and result in a property tax hike.
Lakeville Levy Question
The Lakeville Area Schools Board (ISD 194) is seeking voter approval to renew its existing capital project levy authorization of 2.981% of the district’s net tax capacity, which is set to expire after taxes payable in 2025. If approved, the renewal would:
Raise approximately $4.4 million annually beginning in 2026
Be authorized for ten years
Provide an estimated $44 million in total funding over the period
Support technology acquisitions and maintenance for security systems, STEM programs, and other instructional programs
Officials emphasize that a “YES” vote would renew, not add, a capital projects referendum that is scheduled to expire.
Election Day Details
Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State’s election website.
For more information on absentee and early voting, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online resources.
Written by: Will Wight
Photo Provided by Dakota County, Minnesota Facebook Page.
