The 2020 candidate filing period is closed. We will post information about the 2021 filing period in early 2021.

For information on filing for other offices, see below.

A candidate for a state or local office must meet these requirements:

• Have not filed for the same or any other office at the upcoming primary or general election.
• Be at least 21 years old when assuming office.
• Have lived in the election district for at least 30 days before the general election.

See Article VII, Section 6 of the Minnesota Constitution

School board candidates

School board candidates must not be a registered predatory offender. See Minnesota Statutes section 243.166

Major political party candidates

Candidates for a major political party must either:

• Have participated in the party's most recent precinct caucuses
• Intend to vote for a majority of that party's candidates at the next general election

When you submit your affidavit of candidacy, you must either

• Pay the filing fee
• File a petition with signatures from eligible voters

Filing fees

You can pay the filing fee cash by or check.

Petition in place of a filing fee

Instead of paying a fee, you can collect signatures from eligible voters. This is called a petition. We determine the number of signatures required on a petition using two factors:

• The office
• The number of votes cast for the office at the previous election.

For example, see the the signature requirements for recent 2020 Minneapolis races below. 

Petitions must meet certain legal standards. These include submission on legal (8 1/2 x 14") size paper.  The Minnesota Secretary of State provides a template for petitions. 

Candidates must submit regular fundraising and expenditure reports. Report requirements vary by office.

See Minnesota campaign report requirements

Candidates in Minneapolis must complete two types of financial reporting:

Statement of Economic Interest

This form covers financial information related to the candidate. Candidates must:

• Submit it within 14 days of filing for office to Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services.
• Complete it annually after being elected, while in office.

See Statement of Economic Interest

Campaign Registration and Financial Reports

Candidates must:

• Register and file their first report within 14 days of spending or raising $100. Submit the report to Hennepin County Elections.
• Submit additional reports during the election process.

See Campaign Registration and Financial Reports