Nov. 2, 2026

The public is encouraged to vote in a special election on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The only measure on the ballot is a citizen-initiated petition that, if passed, will prohibit large-scale and multiple data centers with a designed, contracted, requested or reasonably anticipated electrical capacity or aggregate electrical demand of 25 MW or more within the City of Mandan and certain territory subject to Mandan zoning authority.

Because the next city election does not occur until June 2028, the petition must be placed on a special election ballot. North Dakota Century Code (N.D.C.C.) § 40-12-06 lays out the timeline for this specific type of petition for a special election. It was determined that the special election would need to take place between Dec. 7 and Dec. 31. With the Christmas holiday falling in that timeline, and elections typically taking place on Tuesdays, Dec. 15 was determined to be the best date by the City Commission.

The public can vote at Spirit of Life Roman Catholic Church, located at 801 First St SE, Mandan, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

At the Oct. 20 Mandan City Commission meeting, the Board called for a special election, to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to fill the vacant seat on the Board.

The vacancy comes after the unexpected death of Commissioner Craig Sjoberg. Sjoberg passed away on Aug. 29, and the City of Mandan received a petition on Sept. 14 for a special election to fill the vacancy.

State law sets several deadlines that must be met before a special election can be held. Candidates seeking to fill the unexpired term must submit nomination petitions (with at least 125 valid signatures) by the required filing deadline, which occurs 64 days before the election. In addition, the City must publish notice of the filing deadline at least 30 days in advance.

The following is the timeline under state law for the special election:

• Tuesday, Oct. 20: Commission calls for special election
• Saturday, Nov. 14: Candidate-filing notice published
• Nov. 14 - Dec. 14: 30-day signature gathering period
• Monday, Dec. 14: Candidate petitions due by 4 p.m. to City Administrator’s Office
• Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027: Special Election

Absentee ballots for the special election for the unexpired term on City Commission will be available by Jan. 7, 2027.

Stay tuned to cityofmandan.com/elections for more information on Mandan special elections, including polling places and times. 

On Tuesday evening, the City of Mandan Community Beautification Committee will announce the winners of the 2026 Beautification Recognition Program! After a successful public voting period, three outstanding properties have been selected as this year’s overall winners—each representing the best in community pride, creativity, and visual appeal in the following categories:.

• Seasonal/Holiday Display
• Landscape Maintenance/Enhancements
• Commercial Property

There were seven nominations submitted throughout the year to the Community Beautification Committee.

Winners will be recognized at the Nov. 3 City Commission meeting and be featured on the City of Mandan’s website and social media channels.

The Community Beautification Committee thanks the public for voting and encourages your participation in nominating properties throughout the year that stand out for their landscaping, structural enhancements, seasonal/holiday displays, or overall aesthetic charm. Nominations are accepted year-round.

Why It Matters: This program not only recognizes property owners who go the extra mile to beautify Mandan –it also encourages community pride and involvement. Your participation helps spotlight the spaces that inspire and uplift our city.

To learn more about the Beautification Recognition Program or nominate a property, visit cityofmandan.com/recognitionprogram.

The City’s Code of Ordinances Section 18-3-5 covers the posting of handbills, posters and placards. These provisions include any signage placed within the right-of-way, or boulevard, and is relevant this time of year during elections. As a general rule of thumb, signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way or on public property. Permission to place signage on private property must be obtained from the property owner.

A sign may be placed anywhere on an individual’s property, which typically ends where the sidewalk begins and excludes the area between the sidewalk and the street. However, signage cannot obstruct the view of the traveling public at street corners.

This section of code applies to all signs: yard sales, elections, business advertisements, etc.

The City does not actively seek out violations. However, if a complaint is received regarding signage it will be investigated. If improperly placed, the property owner or person who placed the sign will be notified and asked to remove the sign.

If you believe a sign is improperly placed, please call 701-667-3264 or visit cityofmandan.com/concern.

The Memorial Highway reconstruction is approaching a significant milestone this fall as primary roadway construction nears completion for the 2026 season. Memorial Highway will have all five lanes open to traffic and be operational for the winter season. Remaining construction activities will primarily consist of final traffic signal installation and continued stormwater improvements along Third Street.

Phase 2 | West (East Main Street to 32^nd Ave SE). Major roadway improvements for the 2026 construction season are now complete, with the full five-lane roadway configuration in place. Remaining activities will consist of final traffic signal installation and pavement striping. Motorists may continue to see construction activity in limited areas, but most major impacts along the corridor are expected to conclude for the season

Preparing for a New Traffic Pattern at Main Street/Memorial Highway/Mandan Ave. Crews have made significant progress on traffic signal installations, with all four remaining traffic signals expected to be operational by early November.

Once the new traffic signals are installed, there will be a new traffic pattern at the intersection of Main Street/Memorial Highway/Mandan Ave. The changes include two left-turn lanes from Mandan Ave going eastbound as well as two left-turn lanes from Memorial Highway heading westbound onto Main Street. 

New traffic signals and dual left-turn lanes will improve traffic flow at the Main St/Memorial Hwy/Mandan Ave intersection.

3rd Street Stormwater Improvements Continue. While most visible roadway construction on Memorial Highway is wrapping up, work on the Third Street stormwater system will continue through November. Crews completed the jack-and-bore installation of the storm sewer beneath Third Street in October, allowing work to advance on a new 72-inch storm sewer line that will extend east toward Riverwood Ave. Construction also continues on the Heart River outfall structure and two gate well structures that will support long-term drainage improvements along the corridor. 

Construction of underground utilities on Memorial Highway, taken on Sept. 25, 2026.

Season Outlook. Timelines may shift due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

• November 2026: Structure and stormwater work continues near 3rd Street.
• Winter 2026-27: Memorial Highway open and operating under winter traffic conditions.
• Spring 2027: Construction activities resume for the next phase of the project.

Traffic & Staying Informed. Motorists should anticipate delays, follow posted signage, and allow extra time for travel through the construction area. Please note that weather conditions and ongoing construction activity may cause project schedule changes.

Residents are encouraged to support local businesses along the corridor and to visit the City of Mandan’s website and social media channels for the most up‑to‑date construction and traffic information.

Thank You for Your Patience. The City of Mandan, North Dakota Department of Transportation, and project partners would like to thank residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience and cooperation throughout the 2026 construction season. The progress made this year marks a major step forward in improving transportation, utility, and stormwater infrastructure along the Memorial Highway corridor

Purchase digital gift cards from local participating businesses at VisitMandan.com. Each card is delivered as a digital wallet file that appears on your phone just like a regular credit card. You can use the card to shop online or pay in person. As part of the program, the City of Mandan is contributing a 25% match that is automatically issued as a separate bonus card at no additional cost.

Kick off the holiday season at the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main Grand Lighting on Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. in Dykshoorn Park. Enjoy Christmas music, Santa's arrival, the official lighting ceremony, free hot chocolate, wagon rides, and festive family fun. The lights will be on display throughout Dykshoorn and Heritage Parks, creating a magical holiday experience for all ages. For more information, call the Mandan Progress Organization at 701-751-2983.

In case you missed it, watch the video above to learn which name was selected for Mandan Fire Department's new fire engine.

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