If you think your vote doesn't count--think again.
Remember our recent history: in 2000 Pres. George Bush defeated Al Gore by a mere 1,200 votes. John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon for the presidency in 1960, by a 49.7 percent margin to 49.6.
Unbelievable as it sounds, Texan Lyndon B. Johnson was elected to the Senate by one vote back in 1948.
Here in Otter Tail County, there are only a few seriously contested races--but that's not enough of a reason to stay home on election night Nov. 7.
One of the closest watched races will be the State Senate contest, pitting Sen. Cal Larson against Dan Skogen.
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Of course, every voter in East Otter Tail County can make their voice heard on the statewide contests: The governor's election, and the hotly debated U.S. Senate contest between Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy.
Otter Tail County
In Otter Tail County, there may not be much to get excited about as far as county offices--but that doesn't mean it isn't important to vote.
The Otter Tail County sheriff, auditor, recorder, treasurer and attorney are all running unopposed. So are the Soil and Water Conservation District officers.
However, there are races for two Otter Tail County Commission seats. In District 2, which includes Pelican Rapids and townships southwest of Perham, Mary Ryan is running against Everett Erickson--both seeking a vacant seat.
Perham City Council
Kevin Keil is running unopposed for the mayor's seat, which will be vacated by Vince Pankonin, who chose not to run again.
But there are three running for two city council seats: Incumbent Harriet Mattfeld, Bret Burke and Tim Meehl.
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Full ballot in Vergas
With five candidates filing for two city council seats, Vergas voters face more decisions than most in area city elections.
For Vergas mayor, incumbent Dean Haarstick will face a challenge from Amy Nelson.
City Council incumbents Kari Dahlgren and Scott Goodman will share the ballot with three other candidates: Terry Bennett, Gene Gunderson and Duane Larson.
Dent city
The Dent City Council election will be a quiet one November 8.
Mayor Perry Coleman is facing no challenge for his seat.
Meanwhile, incumbent Bob Biddle has filed again for his four-year seat. Katie Rosenthal will be unchallenged for the two-year council seat.
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For the third council seat on the ballot, George Fresonke is not seeking re-election. Cim Melbye is the lone candidate filed for the four-year seat.
Ottertail city
There are no challenges for Ottertail City Council seats this year.
Mayor Raymond Mounts is seeking re-election to his position--but he faces no opponents.
Also filing for re-election is Terry Wagenman, who has no opposition for his four-year city council seat.
Meanwhile, former clerk Arlette Carlson filed for the council seat that became open following the change in the city's government after the 2004 election. The new structure eliminated an elected clerk position, replacing it with a city council position.
The city now has a paid staff city clerk, Linda Bjelland, instead of an elected clerk under the previous city structure.
