Filing for office

Learn how you can be a candidate on the ballot.

Candidate filing for 2021

The candidate filing period is July 27-August 10 for the Nov. 2, 2021 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 2021:

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)

Learn more about these offices and view job descriptions

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

Step 1

Campaign finance registration with Hennepin County

Within 14 days of spending or raising $100, you must register your campaign with Hennepin County Elections. This includes spending any personal funds on your campaign.

This step is in addition to filing for office with the City of Minneapolis. You must register your campaign with the County and file for office with the City.

Step 2

Complete paperwork with a filing officer

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 2021 Candidate Information Packet.
Be prepared to wait if you arrive on the first or last day of filing.

When to file

Tuesday, July 27 - Tuesday, August 10
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (on August 10 only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Where to file

The 2021 candidate filing location has been changed due to summer construction on the Elections & Voter Services building. The new location is:

Public Service Center
250 S. Fourth St., Room 200
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Get directions

More information on finding the new filing location

Withdraw from office

If you wish to withdraw after filing, the withdrawal deadline is Thursday, August 12 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 financial reports

You must complete two types of financial reporting:

Statement of Economic Interest

This form covers your personal financial information.

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 Financial Reports

After registering your campaign, you must:

Submit additional reports during the election process to Hennepin County Elections.
Reports are typically due one week before the Primary and General Election.

See Financial Reports