Become a Candidate

Candidates are placed on a ballot in Minnesota after they file for office. The most common way to file for office is to complete an affidavit of candidacy and pay a filing fee to the appropriate filing officer during the two-week filing period.

Some exceptions include:

Presidential candidates do not complete affidavits of candidacy or pay a filing fee
Petitions can be used in place of a filing fee
Minor party and independent candidates must use a petition along with an affidavit of candidacy
Write-in candidates may need to file a special form to have their votes counted
Special elections may have shorter filing and withdrawal periods

Campaigning for an office is different than filing for an office. Please see our Campaigning section for more information about campaign finances and practices.

Candidates should make sure they are qualified before filing for an office. Candidates have a short period of time during which they can withdraw their filing.