Filing for office

Learn how you can be a candidate on the ballot.

Candidate filing for 2022

The candidate filing period is May 17 - 31, 2022, for the 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 2022:

  • School Board Director At Large (2 positions)
  • School Board Director District 1
  • School Board Director District 3
  • School Board Director District 5

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.

Step 1

File initial campaign finance report

Within 14 days of raising or spending more than $750, you must submit an initial campaign finance report to Minneapolis Elections. Prior to 2022, campaign finance reports were completed with Hennepin County Elections.

Learn more about reporting requirements

Step 2

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 2022 Candidate Information Packet.
  • Be prepared to wait if you arrive on the first or last day of filing.

When to file

Tuesday, May 17 - Tuesday, May 31

Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on May 31)

Note: Candidate filing will not be available on Monday, May 30, as our offices will be closed in observation of Memorial Day.

Where to file 

2022 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 is Thursday, June 2 at 5 p.m. This process must be completed with election officials at the filing location.

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 two types of financial reporting.

Statement of Economic Interest

This form covers your personal financial information. 

Download Statement of Economic Interest form

Campaign Finance Reports

These forms cover your campaign’s financial activities.

Candidates who reached the $750 threshold will need to submit additional reports:

  • Pre-Primary Report
  • Pre-General Report
  • Certification of Filing
  • Post-General Report
  • January 31 Report
  • Final Report

See Financial Reports from 2022 to present

See Financial Reports prior to 2022

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

Direct: 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.