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

Columbia Heights City Council Member At Large {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/) to find specific candidate contact information.Watch a candidate forum for this race recorded on October 2, 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

    Tom Kaiser
    (NP)

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    Brie LaPlante
    (NP)

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    Robert Rogne
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Judah Scharnhorst
    (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 the best candidate based on several experiences. First, I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and have 7 years experience in corporate marketing -- which has given me invaluable skills in managing major projects, handling large budgets and coordinating with stakeholders. I have been a mutual aid organizer in Minneapolis since 2022, volunteering as a Spanish translator and team lead to connect vulnerable community members with groceries and resources every week. I am also a passionate climate advocate, and have served as a member of the city's Sustainability Commission for more than three years, writing local climate policy and creating community engagement programs to make our city healthier and more resilient.
I am running to promote local affordable housing, equitable transportation access and climate resilience. As a mutual aid organizer, Spanish speaker and climate advocate, I understand how to make sure all voices are represented in local government and how to connect with historically marginalized groups. From tackling costs of living to leading our city through the Central Ave reconstruction, my top priority is ensuring all residents and businesses have what they need to thrive.
I am dedicated to ensuring that people from all walks of life can participate in local elections, meetings, and projects. This includes offering city resources/communications in multiple languages, providing accessibility accommodations/childcare and hiring outreach consultants with cultural competencies. I also plan to connect with faith leaders and other community organizations to reach residents and businesses of all identities, to ensure all city decisions represent our vibrant community.
The city of Columbia Heights already works hard to communicate actively with residents and get community buy-in for major initiatives. I plan to continue these partnerships with city staff to further reach residents and businesses with transparent information via websites, newsletters, meetings, etc., as well as ensuring all communications lead with accountability and context for major city decisions. I ask that community members be more engaged with public meetings and check for updates too.
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elect Elect 2
Campaign Website http://judahforch.com
Facebook (Full URL) http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592094302877
Campaign Email judahscharn@gmail.com
I am the best candidate for this position because I will be a dedicated force for youth focused growth, sustainability, and community organizing. My process of continuous learning, analyzing problems and finding creative solutions will allow me to serve the community in an extremely effective way.
My top three priorities are community organizing, economic sustainability, and public safety. Community organizing is one of local governments biggest responsibilities. Bringing people together to celebrate common interests and each other adds untold value to peoples lives. Sustainability via fiscal responsibility and non-tax income streams allow the city to operate smoothly. Public safety via trust in local police and not allowing corporate surveillance gives people peace of mind.
Engaging with all community members is very important when creating policies that effect everyone. This includes attending and good faith engagement at public forums and council meetings, accepting invites from community organizations, and keeping an open digital presence that allows anyone to send messages directly to me.
Transparency and accountability are so important at the local level now more than ever. This includes publishing all documents that do not contain sensitive information, even when not required. It also includes engaging with feedback and not cowering away when the tough questions are asked. Giving the public updates on any and all matters that concern them is the bare minimum of public communication.
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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.