How to file as a candidate for local public office

By Editor | April 16, 2024 |

By Anna Jauhola
There are several public servants in Kittson County up for re-election this fall, giving others within the public the chance to also run for those seats.
Each city in the county has several council seats available, as does each school board. The county commission also has three seats up for election.
How does one file as a candidate for election?
The easiest answer is to speak with your respective entity, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State website. If you’d like to file for the school board, you must file paperwork with the district office clerk. If you’d like to file to run for county commission, you must file with the auditor. To file as a candidate for city councilor, you must file with that respective city’s clerk.
Typically, it is a simple sheet to fill out and you pay a small fee. Otherwise, you can find the filing documents at https://www.sos. state.mn.us/election- administration-campaigns/ become-a-candidate/campaign-filing-packet/.
The fees to file for offices are as follows:
• County office – $50
• Soil and Water Conservation District – $20
• City Council – $2 – $15
• School Board – $2
Filing dates for each office vary, depending on whether there is a need for a primary election. According to the Secretary of State website, these are the filing dates set for 2024 for the general election – meaning there is no primary:
• County, SWCD – between May 21 and June 4.
• City Councils, School Boards – between July 30 and Aug. 13.
Those filing as a candidate for public office should make sure they’re qualified. The Secretary of State website states qualified candidates must be able to vote in Minnesota, not file for another office at the impending election, has to be 21 or older and been a resident of their district for at least 30 days prior to the election.
Additionally, sheriff candidates must be licensed peace officers and school board candidates cannot be convicted of anything where they are required to register as a predatory offender.
The Secretary of State website – sos.state.mn.us – is a great resource for those looking to file for office, or just to learn more about the elections process.