Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today called a special election to fill the State Senate vacancy in District 26. The vacancy was created by the resignation of State Senator Dick Day.

The writ of special election issued by the Governor sets the special election for Tuesday, January 26, 2010. If a special primary election is necessary, it will be on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Anyone interested in running in Senate District 26 may file affidavits and petitions of candidacy with the Secretary of State or the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides from Wednesday, December 23, 2009, until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

Senator Day has served in the Minnesota Senate since 1991.

Following is the text of the Governor’s writ of Special Election:

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY
IN THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR
FOR SENATE DISTRICT 26 IN STEELE, WASECA, AND RICE
COUNTIES
AND OF A SPECIAL
PRIMARY TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES
FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION

To the People of the State of Minnesota, and particularly of Senate District 26 in Steele, Waseca, and Rice Counties; to the Secretary of State of Minnesota; to the auditors of Steele, Waseca, and Rice Counties; to all election officials in Senate District 26; and to all others who may be concerned:

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the office of State Senator for Senate District 26 of the State of Minnesota, caused by the resignation of Senator Dick Day, effective January 8, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a special election is necessary to fill this vacancy to assure representation for the citizens of Senate District 26.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim Pawlenty, as Governor of the State of Minnesota, acting under the authority and direction vested in me by the Minnesota Constitution, Article IV, Section 4, Minnesota Statutes 2009, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, 351.01, 351.02, 351.055, and other relevant statutes, do hereby direct that:

1. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held in Senate District 26 on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

2. A special primary, if necessary, for the nomination of candidates for the office of Senator for Senate District 26 will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

3. Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions for Senate District 26 must be filed with the Secretary of State or the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides from Wednesday, December 23, 2009, until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

4. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 204D.23, subd. 5, affidavits of withdrawal for Senate District 26 may be filed with the same official who received the affidavit of candidacy until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009.

5. Notices of this special election and special primary must be given, the nomination and election of candidates must be conducted, and all things pertaining thereto must be done as provided by Minnesota Statutes 2009, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, and other applicable provisions of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand at the Capitol, in the City of St. Paul, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, on December 15, 2009.