Minnesota state legislative special elections, 2016

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Two seats were vacated in the Minnesota State Legislature in 2016. Both seats were filled through special elections.

Vacancies filled

Breakdown of 2016 special elections

Across the country in 2016, special elections for state legislative positions were held for a variety of reasons:

  • 23 were due to appointment, election, or the seeking of election to another position
  • 11 were due to a retirement
  • 11 were due to the incumbent accepting another job
  • 12 were due to a death
  • 4 were due to a conviction
  • 3 were due to filling a remaining term
  • 1 was due to an expulsion

The partisan breakdown for vacancies were as follows:

Partisan Change from Special Elections
Party As of Vacancy After Special Election
     Democratic Party 37 39
     Republican Party 28 24
     Independent 0 2
Total 65 65

Note: The table above reflected information for elections that were held—not total vacant seats.

How vacancies are filled


Vacancies in the Minnesota State Legislature are filled through election. If there are more than 150 days before the next state general election, and the legislature will not be in session before the results are canvassed, then any vacancy is filled at the next state general election.[1][2]

If the vacancy happens during the legislative session, the governor has five days to issue a writ calling for a special election. The election must take place no more than 35 days after the issuance of the writ. If the legislature is out of session and there are fewer than 150 days before the next state general election, the governor must call for a special election so the winner of the election can take office when the legislature reconvenes.[2][3]

DocumentIcon.jpg See sources: Minnesota Cons. Art. 4, § 4 and Minnesota Stat. § 204D.19


Special elections

February 9, 2016



See also

Footnotes