When do candidates file for office?

 Candidates for state and county offices must file affidavits of candidacy from May 18 through 5:00 pm on June 1, 2010.

Affidavit of Candidacy: All candidates must file affidavits stating, in part,

·    the name of the office sought,

·    that the candidate is an eligible voter,

·    that he/she has no other affidavit on file for any other office for the election,

·    that the candidate meets the qualifications for the office,

·    that the name listed on the affidavit is the candidate’s true name or name by which the candidate is commonly known in the community.

A candidate for county office who will be out of the state during the filing period may file an Affidavit of Candidacy and any required filing fee or petition during the seven days immediately preceding the candidate’s absence from the state (Minnesota Statutes 204B.09). The appropriate filing officer should be contacted for more specific information. Affidavit of Candidacy forms may be obtained from the filing officer.

Filing Fee: A filing fee must be paid at the time of filing the Affidavit of Candidacy. A candidate who provides the filing fee by a check or other instrument for which sufficient funds are not available will have his or her name removed from the ballot and is liable for all costs incurred by election officials in removing the name from the ballot (Minnesota Statutes 204B.11).

 Filing fee amounts:

• State Representative  -  $100
• County Office  -  $50
• Soil and water conservation district supervisor  -  $20

 Qualifications for Office: Every candidate must state on the Affidavit of Candidacy that the candidate is an eligible voter, will be at least 21 years of age when assuming office, and will have been a resident of the district for at least 30 days before the general election (Minnesota Statutes 204B.06).

 Where do candidates file for office?

 Candidates for Federal Offices, State Legislative Offices, State Executive Offices, and Judicial Offices must file at the Secretary of State’s office. 

Candidates for Judge of Second Judicial District Court and State Representative in districts 18A may file for office either at the Secretary of State's office or at McLeod County Auditor-Treasurer's Office.

All county offices must file at McLeod County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. 

Candidates for all municipal and hospital district offices must file at their respective city or township.

Candidates for school district offices must file at the office of the school district clerk.