Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
  • Build your ballot before voting. Print or email the information to use as a reference when you actually vote.

We do not save your information; it will be lost when you leave this page. Only candidates that appear on your ballot will be listed. Additional information may be available for your area so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for other voters’ guides.

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Voter Guide

Moorhead City Council Member Ward 1

As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilWatch a candidate forum for this race recorded on September 23, 2026.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Ben Livingston
    (NP)

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    Ryan Nelson
    (NP)

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    Sarah Opitz
    (NP)

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    Dalton Swanson
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)

What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)

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I am committed to practical leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and serving every resident with integrity. My professional and community experience has taught me how to bring people together, listen to diverse perspectives, and implement evidence based solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term goals. I believe effective local government should be transparent, responsive, and focused on producing results that improve quality of life for all residents. I will approach this role with an open mind, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to ensuring every voice is heard in the decisions that shape our community.
Strengthen our local economy by uplifting Moorhead’s small businesses, their dedicated employees, and the families they support. Make city government more open and responsive by bringing neighborhood voices into decisions and being transparent about how taxpayer dollars are spent. Grow thoughtfully by promoting sustainable development that respects our neighborhoods, while reinvesting in infrastructure and the supporting frontline workers who serve us.
My life experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities residents face. I will seek input through community meetings, neighborhood conversations, and open communication. I recognize that areas like Oakport, North Moorhead, the Country Club area, Regal Estates, and Woodlawn each have unique needs. My goal is to ensure every voice is heard, especially those who often feel overlooked, and that all residents are represented fairly.
I believe openness is fundamental to public trust. I will advocate for clear, accessible public records, straightforward budgeting, and proactive communication about council decisions. Residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made. Additionally, I support regular town halls and open-door policies to ensure elected officials remain directly accountable to the people they serve, rather than insulated from community feedback.
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Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.