ST. CLOUD -- A special election will be required to fill the Stearns County board of commissioners seat left vacant with the death of Don Otte.

Otte was the commissioner for Stearns County's 5th District since 1999. He died last week after a long battle with cancer.

Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer Randy Schreifels says the special election won't align with this fall's general election because the statute requires more time than a legislative special election.  He says it's about a five month process.

Stearns County's 5th district covers approximately the western two-thirds of the county.

A one-week filing period will be announced at the county board meeting next Tuesday.

Residents who want to file for the seat must live in the 5th district.

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