Filing for office

Learn how you can be a candidate on the ballot.

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, Park & Recreation Board, School Board, and Board of Estimate & Taxation. 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
  • Park Board Commissioners At Large (3 positions)
  • Park Board Commissioners Districts 1-6
  • Board of Estimate & Taxation Member (2 positions)

How do I file for office?

If you want to run for office, these are the steps you take to get your name on the ballot.

Before you begin

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.

Learn more about reporting requirements

Step 1

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 election for:

    • 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

 

Step 2

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

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. 

Step 3

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

View filing fees and signature requirements

Step 4

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.  

Legislative changes taking effect in 2025 may change the reporting requirements for some campaigns during the 2025 Election Cycle.  We will update this section with additional guidance as it becomes available.

Statement of Economic Interest

This form covers your personal financial information. 

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

Learn more about completing your affidavit, submitting reports, and filing in person.

Contact us

Candidate & campaign questions

Address

Elections & Voter Services
980 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Get directions

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.