Candidate Filing Information

Local candidate filing opens July 14 and closes 5 p.m. July 28, 2026
 

 

Candidates for an elected city office must:

  • be eligible to vote in Minnesota
  • be at least 21 years old upon assuming office
  • have maintained residence in their district for at least 30 days before the general election
  • have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election

How to File

Submit the affidavit of candidacy and $5 filing fee to your city clerk during the filing period. Read instructions on the affidavit of candidacy carefully. Filing reminders are included on the back of the form.

Filing Fee

Any candidate may choose to submit a Petition in Place of Filing Fee instead of paying the filing fee. The number of signatures required is the lesser of 500 signatures or 5% of the total number of votes cast in the last general election that included that office (Minn. Stat. 204B.11, subd. 2 (d)).

Filing Period

Candidates in cities where a primary is not held may file from July 14, 2026 until July 28, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Withdrawal

A candidate who has filed for office may remove their name from the ballot by filing an affidavit of withdrawal. Candidates may withdraw within the filing period, or by 5:00 p.m. within two days of the end of the filing period. The affidavit of withdrawal is filed with the city clerk.