Filing for office
Candidate filing for 2025
The candidate filing period is July 29 - August 12, 2025, for the November 4, 2025, Municipal Election.
Candidates running for City office file with us. This includes Mayor, City Council, Board of Estimate & Taxation, and Park & Recreation Board (odd years) and School Board (even years). All other filings are handled by the Minnesota Secretary of State or Hennepin County.
Offices eligible to file with us in 2025:
- Mayor
- City Council Member Wards 1-13
- Board of Estimate & Taxation Member (2 positions)
- Park Board Commissioners At Large (3 positions)
- Park Board Commissioners Districts 1-6
How do I file for office?
If you want to run for office, take these steps to get your name on the ballot.
To make sure you are eligible to run for office, see our page on Eligibility to Hold Office
Have you raised or spent more than $750?
Within 14 days of raising or spending more than $750, you must submit an initial campaign finance report to Minneapolis Elections, regardless of whether you've filed for office yet.
Gather documents before coming to file
*New in 2025*
Please bring one of the following documents when you come to file at our office:
- Valid Minnesota Driver's license, Minnesota identification card, or receipt issued with current address
- Tribal ID with address, signature, and picture of the individual
If you do not have one of the above documents, bring both an approved photo ID and an approved document of residency from the following list:
Approved Photo IDs:
- Driver's license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military or Veteran ID
- Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
- Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
- Minnesota high school ID
Approved Documents of Residency:
-
Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the beginning of the candidate filing period:
- Phone, TV or internet
- Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
- Banking or credit card
- Rent or mortgage
- Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
- Current student fee statement
Come to our office during the candidate filing period to complete paperwork
You must come to our office to complete paperwork with the filing official. Each candidate must file an Affidavit of Candidacy as well some some other paperwork. All paperwork will be provided to you at the time of filing.
- You will receive a copy of the Candidate Information Packet.
- Be prepared to wait if you arrive on the first or last day of filing.
When to file
The candidate filing period for the 2025 Municipal Election is July 29 through August 12, 2025.
Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2025)
Where to file
2025 Candidate Filing is located at the Elections & Voter Services office: 980 E Hennepin Ave.
What to bring when you file:
- Your documentation from Step 1
- One of the following:
- Cash or check to pay the filing fee
- A petition with signatures from eligible voters
View filing fees and signature requirements
Party or Principle
If you are running for Mayor or City Council, you can provide up to a 3-word statement that will appear below your name on the ballot. It can be either:
- The name of a major or minor Minnesota party
- Up to a 3 word “principle” of your own choosing
The party or principle cannot:
- Use abbreviations
- List multiple parties
- List a party and a principle
- Use the word “endorse” in any form
- Give a competitive advantage
Candidates for Park Board and Board of Estimate & Taxation cannot use a party or principle. Minneapolis Municipal Code Art. III § 3.1 (d) (1)
Withdraw from office
If you wish to withdraw after filing, the withdrawal deadline for the 2025 election is Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Contact our office and we will assist with this process. Filing fees cannot be refunded.
Pay filing fee or submit petition instead of paying fee
When completing paperwork with the filing officer, you must either:
- Pay the filing fee, or;
- File a petition with signatures from eligible voters
Submit additional financial reports
After having your name added to the ballot, you will need to complete a Statement of Economic Interest (SEI). If you've raised or spent more than $750, you will also need to complete campaign finance reports.
Statement of Economic Interest
This form covers your personal financial information.
- Submit it within 14 days of the end of the candidate filing period on the campaign finance portal.
- Complete it annually after being elected, while in office.
- For more information on submitting SEIs through the campaign finance portal see our Candidate SEI Filer Guide.
Campaign Finance Reports
Candidates who have raised or spent more than $750 must submit the reports below. Learn more about campaign finance report requirements.
- Pre-Primary Report
- Pre-General Report
- Certification of Filing
- Post-General Report
- Annual Report
- Final Report
For more information on submitting campaign finance reports through our campaign finance portal see our Campaign Finance Filer Guide.
Common questions about filing for office
Contact us
Candidate & campaign questions
Address
Elections & Voter Services980 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.