Candidates
Candidates may file for office by submitting an Affidavit of Candidacy and filing fee to your city, township or school district office.
There are different filing requirements, dates and locations depending on the political office you are running for.
Requirements
To run for office, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be an eligible voter.
- Pay all filing fees or present a Petition in Place of Filing Fee. For more information, see the MNvotes.org website.
- Complete an Affidavit of Candidacy.
- Complete and file Campaign Finance Reports.
For a complete list of requirements by office, visit the MNvotes.org website.
Filing locations
Where you file for office depends on the level of government:
Municipal offices: The city or town hall of the municipality.
School district offices: The administrative building for the school district.
County offices: Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings.
State legislature, executive or judicial offices: Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings (if you reside in Dakota County) or the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul.
Federal offices: Office of Minnesota Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul.
Fair campaign practices
Fair campaign practices are outlined in the Minnesota Secretary of State Campaign Manual. If you have any questions regarding fair campaign practices, email election.dept@state.mn.us.