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

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.