[3] The prestegjeld of Vardal was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law).

On 1 January 1896, a small area of Østre Toten Municipality (population: 49) was transferred into Vardal.

On 1 January 1900, an unpopulated area of Søndre Land Municipality was transferred to Vardal.

[7] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Vardal was made up of 29 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The party breakdown of the final municipal council was as follows: The mayors of Vardal:[14]