Every election cycle, something familiar happens in small communities across North Dakota—including Casselton. A handful of names appear on the ballot, often the same ones we’ve seen before, and many residents quietly wonder who will step up next.

What doesn’t always get said out loud is this: local government depends on neighbors who are willing to raise their hand.

Not career politicians. Not experts in municipal code. Just residents who care about where they live and believe Casselton is worth their time and attention.

Why Local Office Matters—Right Here in Casselton

Local government is where decisions stop being abstract and start affecting everyday life. Choices about streets, parks, services, growth, and long-term planning all happen at the local level. These decisions shape how a community feels to live in—not just today, but years from now.

Who sits at the table matters. When those seats are filled by people who live here, raise families here, run businesses here, or retire here, the community benefits from real-world perspective and lived experience.

That kind of participation is part of what keeps a town like Casselton strong.

The People Who Serve Are Usually Just Like You

Many residents hesitate to consider running because they assume they’re not “qualified enough.” In reality, most people who serve in local office did not start with a background in government.

They started with curiosity. With concern. With a desire to help their community continue moving in a positive direction.

Serving doesn’t require having all the answers. It requires being willing to ask good questions, listen carefully, and work with others toward solutions that serve the whole community.

Why People Decide to Step Forward

People choose to run for local office for many different reasons. Some want to protect what makes Casselton feel like home. Others see opportunities for improvement and want to be part of the conversation. Many simply reach a point where they realize that caring about a place also means participating.

Serving offers a chance to better understand how decisions are made, to represent neighbors who may not feel comfortable speaking up, and to help guide the community through both challenges and opportunities.

It’s not always easy work—but it is meaningful.

What Serving Is Actually Like

Local service involves meetings, preparation, discussion, and collaboration. There is a learning curve, but no one is expected to figure things out alone. City staff, fellow officials, and established processes help support thoughtful decision-making.

Disagreement happens from time to time, but the shared goal remains the same: making choices that are in the best interest of Casselton as a whole.

For many who serve, the experience is eye-opening—and often more rewarding than they expected.

Curious About What’s Involved?

Serving in local office looks different depending on the role, but all positions share one thing in common: they give residents a direct voice in decisions that shape everyday life in Casselton.

For the upcoming election in June 2026, the following positions are open. All terms are four years.

• Park Board (3 positions open) -- The Park Board focuses on Casselton’s parks, trails, recreational spaces, and community amenities. Members help guide decisions about park improvements, maintenance priorities, recreational programming, and long-term planning for outdoor spaces that serve residents of all ages.
  
  This role is a great fit for residents who care about quality of life, outdoor spaces, and how families and neighbors use shared community areas.
  
  
• Mayor -- The Mayor serves as the presiding officer at City Council meetings and represents the city in an official capacity. The role includes helping set meeting agendas, facilitating productive discussion, and working closely with city staff and council members to ensure the city’s business is carried out effectively.
  
  In a community the size of Casselton, the Mayor’s role is hands-on, collaborative, and closely connected to residents.
  
  
• City Council (3 positions open) --City Council members make decisions on policies, budgets, ordinances, and long-term planning. They review recommendations, ask questions, and vote on matters that affect city services, infrastructure, growth, and finances.
  
  Council members represent the community as a whole and play a key role in shaping how Casselton evolves over time.
  
  
• Municipal Judge -- The Municipal Judge presides over cases involving city ordinances and local matters. This role supports the fair and orderly administration of the city’s municipal court and works within the framework of North Dakota law and city code.

How to Learn More or Get Started

Detailed information about eligibility requirements, petition and signature requirements, filing deadlines, and required forms is available here: https://www.casselton.com/election

Questions can also be directed to Auditor Sheila Klevgard, cassaudit@casselton.org or 701-347-4861.

Even if you’re unsure whether a role is right for you, learning more is an easy—and meaningful—first step.

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Strong communities don’t just happen. They are built and sustained by residents who are willing to participate and serve.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference, this may be a moment worth paying attention to.

Casselton needs engaged residents. One of them could be you.