Cottage Grove works best when residents stay informed and participate. The Spring Election is approaching, and it is a good time for Cottage Grove residents to review the candidates and make a plan to vote. Local elections shape decisions that directly affect our community, from infrastructure and public services to long-term planning and growth. The post may be updated with additional links to new information as provided by the candidates. The official Village website about elections is https://www.vi.cottagegrove.wi.gov/316/Elections.
Candidate Info
Below are the candidates who will appear on the ballot for Village Trustee, listed in ballot order with their candidate info. These are links to each candidate’s campaign information.
| Peter Doll | |||
| Abbie McDowell | |||
| Chris Stoa | Campaign Site | ||
| Jordan H. Archer | |||
| Casey Erlandson | Campaign Site | ||
| JP Villavicencio | Campaign Site |
Candidate Interview Links
As of March 14, there are two newspaper articles that provided candidates the opportunity to answer several questions. Residents who want to learn more about the candidates can find posted candidate interviews at the following links:
| Leader Independent | Get to know the candidates running for Cottage Grove village board | February 5, 2026 | Site |
| Wisconsin State Journal | Meet the candidates for Cottage Grove trustee | January 31, 2026 | Site |
Meet and Greet Opportunities
Letters to the Editor
| Publication | Date | Title | Candidates |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 6, 2026 | Letter | Erlandson would work for Cottage Grove’s future | Erlandson |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 16, 2026 | Stoa cares about us all | Stoa |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 16, 2026 | Important election for Cottage Grove | Erlandson, Stoa, Villavicencio |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 16, 2026 | Support for three Cottage Grove candidates | Erlandson, Stoa, Villavicencio |
| WSJ | March 11, 2026 | Casey Erlandson cares about the future of Cottage Grove | Erlandson |
| WSJ | March 8, 2026 | Back candidates to help Cottage Grove grow responsibly | Erlandson, Stoa, Villavicencio |
| Cap Times | March 6, 2026 | Erlandson would work for Cottage Grove’s future | Erlandson |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 9, 2026 | Support for Villavicencio | Villavicencio |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | March 9, 2026 | Erlandson reliable, impartial, trustworthy | Erlandson |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | February 9, 2026 | Be sure to vote in Cottage Grove primary on Feb. 17 | Doll, McDowell, Archer |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | February 10, 2026 | Be sure to vote on Feb. 17 | Erlandson, Stoa, Villavicencio |
| Leader Independent (HNG) | February 10, 2026 | Three Cottage Grove candidates have needed experience | Erlandson, Stoa, Villavicencio |
Where to Vote in Cottage Grove
Polling places will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Village residents vote at one of the following locations, depending on their ward. If you are not sure which ward you live in, you can look it up online before heading to the polls. https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place
Cottage Grove Village Hall
221 E. Cottage Grove Road
Wards 4, 6, 8, and 9
Granite Ridge School
4500 Buss Road
Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10
Absentee and Early Voting
Absentee voting is available for any voter who prefers to vote early. Residents can vote absentee in person at Village Hall during the clerk’s office hours in the weeks leading up to the election. You can also request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you. Ballots returned by mail or in person must be received by the clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Absentee ballots requested for the upcoming Spring Election were mailed today, March 10. There is still time to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. Go to the MyVote website (www.myvote.wi.gov) to request your ballot today.
Reminders:
- The United States Postal Service recommends putting your completed ballot in the mail at least 5-7 days before the election. Ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day will NOT be counted, regardless of the envelope’s postmark.
- The drop box for absentee ballots is open and located outside the main door to Village Hall. It will be open until 7 p.m. on April 7.
- The last day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed is April 2 at 5 p.m.
Check Your Ballot
If you want to see exactly what will be on your ballot or confirm your voting location, the easiest place to start is MyVote Wisconsin.
The site allows voters to check registration status, view a sample ballot, request an absentee ballot, and find their polling place.
Visit myvote.wi.gov to look up your information.
Make a Plan to Vote
Spring elections often have lower turnout than fall elections, but they are just as important for the future of our community. Taking a few minutes to learn about the candidates and making a plan to vote helps ensure your voice is part of the conversation.