Filing for office

Learn how you can be a candidate on the ballot.

Candidate filing for 2024

Candidate filing for 2024 is now closed. The candidate filing period was May 21 - June 4, 2024, for the Minneapolis School Board Elections (Special School District #1).

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 2024:

  • School Board Director At Large (1 position)
  • School Board Director District 2
  • School Board Director District 4
  • School Board Director District 6

Learn more about these offices and view job descriptions

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

Complete filing paperwork during candidate filing period

You will complete paperwork on site with the filing official. An Affidavit of Candidacy is required for all candidates. Other paperwork and forms may be required. All paperwork will be provided to you at the time of filing.

  • Please bring valid ID. The filing official will verify your eligibility to file for office.
  • 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

Candidate filing for 2024 was Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 and is now closed. 

The candidate filing period for 2025 elections 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 will be located at the Elections & Voter Services office: 980 E Hennepin Ave.

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 2

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 3

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. 

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.
Frequently asked questions

Contact us

Candidate & campaign questions

Email Elections & Voter Services

Phone

612-331-VOTE (8683)

311 or 612-673-3000

TTY

TTY: 612-673-2157

Fax

612-673-2756

Address

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

Get directions

Hours

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