MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell City Council has approved a new runoff election process aimed at ensuring candidates in crowded city races receive majority support from voters.
During its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 21, the council voted 7-1 to approve the second reading of an ordinance establishing runoff elections for mayor and City Council races involving three or more candidates when no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
The ordinance received its first reading at the council’s Sept. 8 meeting, according to City of Mitchell records.
The issue gained relevance following the June 2026 city election. Three candidates competed for the Ward 2 City Council seat, with Shaun Davis receiving 38% of the vote, John Doescher receiving 34% and Jay Schreurs receiving 28%. Davis won the seat despite no candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast.
Mitchell has four City Council wards, with two council members representing each ward. Council members serve staggered three-year terms, according to the city.