Special election nears, auditor’s office holds extended hours for ballot drop off
The special election for the Cook County Schools 2025 bond referendum is less than a week away.
For Cook County voters who have not returned their ballot, there are still multiple opportunities to do so before the Tuesday deadline.
Cook County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers said that, given election day on Nov.4 is less than a week away, he recommends dropping the ballot off at the Cook County Courthouse rather than mailing it.
A drop box is located outside the courthouse, which is monitored by a 24-hour camera. Cook County voters can also drop their ballot off at the auditor’s office during office hours.
To provide additional opportunities for voters to return their ballots, the auditor’s office is offering extended hours on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Monday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The deadline for Cook County voters to return their ballot is Tuesday, Nov.4, at 8 p.m. If returning an absentee ballot, Powers said the deadline is 5 p.m.
Powers said the ballots will be counted by hand by the auditor’s office staff and a team of election judges. He said he expects the special election results to be available before midnight on Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, Oct. 28, Powers said the ballot return rate was 33%. However, he said, “I’m expecting it’ll hit, there’ll be a rush at the end. So I expect we’ll hit over 50%.”
The 2025 bond referendum proposes investments in the performing arts, outdoor learning spaces, and a new track and synthetic turf field.
Under the proposed improvements, the existing football field will be replaced with a new track and synthetic turf field. The turf field will also double as a softball field. Upgrades also include spectator amenities, such as improved lighting, ADA-compliant seating, scoreboards, a concession stand, and restrooms.
The referendum also includes upgrades to lighting, ADA-compliant seating, and safety improvements for the existing baseball field.
Proposed improvements to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts space include updated lighting and seating, as well as the installation of a catwalk and projection screen.
The school also intends to expand its outdoor learning spaces by improving forest entrances and trails, and by creating areas that support group activities and hands-on projects.
The entire project is projected to cost $11 million. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) has committed $5 million for the improvements, contingent on Cook County Schools passing the referendum.
With the $5 million allocated from the IRRRB, the school district is requesting the remaining $6.65 million during the November 2025 referendum.
If you are not registered to vote, you can still request an absentee ballot. Individuals can request an absentee ballot by contacting the Cook County Auditor’s office. Contact the Cook County Auditor by calling 218-387-3640 or by email at Braidy.powers@co.cook.mn.us.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Cook County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers about the upcoming special election. The audio is below.
Kalli Hawkins October 30, 2025
