LINN — Questions about annexation records, ballot access, and candidate eligibility have emerged following Linn’s April mayoral election, which was decided by 26 votes.

At issue are multiple annexations that were not fully entered into the voter system prior to the election, affecting whether some residents received city ballots.

According to county records, a 2023 annexation and two annexations approved in 2025 were not fully entered into the system used to assign ballots before the April election.

The 2025 annexations were not complete in the system in part because the city had not provided all required documentation, including property deeds needed for full entry.

During the March 24, 2026 Osage County Commission meeting, two weeks before the election, Assessor Tina Kammerich said her office had provided the city with a list of parcels requiring correct deeds, but that Linn City Clerk Carrie Grellner had quit responding to her requests.

Kammerich later said her office entered everything it had received from the city, but gaps remained where proper documentation had not been provided.

In addition, the 2025 annexation ordinances did not specify which voting ward the newly annexed areas should be assigned to, or whether a new ward would be created. Without that information, the affected addresses were not included in city ballot assignments.

After the annexations were entered into the system, pending confirmation of correct ward(s), preliminary numbers indicated less than 45 voters were affected in the April election.

The mayoral race was decided by a margin of 26 votes. The Ward Two alderman race on the same ballot was decided by a margin of 45 votes.

Based on the number of affected voters who participated, the mayoral race falls within the range that could have been impacted. The alderman race should not.

“If voters noticed an issue with the ballots, I feel like they should have brought it up at the polling station before casting their ballot,” said mayor-elect Mike Troesser.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re in a position where a re-election has to be considered, but I don’t believe there was anything malicious or intentional behind it,” said Mayor Dwight Massey. “These were clerical issues that came to light during the election, and we’re taking steps to make sure they’re corrected going forward.”

A separate issue involves the eligibility of defeated candidate Dustin Flamm.

Candidates were certified for the April ballot on Jan. 27, 2026. As part of the filing process, candidates are required to sign an affidavit stating they meet eligibility requirements, including being current on property and personal property taxes (RSMo 115.306.2).

Records obtained from the Osage County Collector’s Office show Flamm’s mortgage company paid the property tax on his residence on Dec. 11, 2025. However, Flamm did not pay his 2025 personal property tax or property tax on a second property until March 9, 2026, after certification of candidates and after absentee voting had begun.

The situation remains unresolved as the city and county work through outstanding questions related to the annexations and election procedures.