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Candidate Petitions

The petitions listed on this page are used by candidates filing for office. However, not all petitions can be used for all offices! Carefully read the details below about which petition(s) might apply for a particular candidate or office. More information on filing for specific offices is linked from the Become a Candidate webpage. 

Preparing Petitions 

Before printing out a petition form or collecting signatures, view the example petitions linked below and be sure to understand:

If you have questions, contact the Secretary of State before circulating your petition.

Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee

A candidate who is running for a federal or state office as a member of a minor political party or as an independent candidate may file one petition that serves both as a nominating petition and in place of the filing fee. This petition must state that it is for both purposes. Since there is no filing fee for U.S. President, those candidates should use the special Nominating Petitions below.

A candidate's affidavit of candidacy and Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee must be presented together to the filing officer during the filing period.

All signatures must be obtained during the filing period.

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

  • U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
  • State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
  • U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
  • State legislative office: 500 signatures

Partisan Offices (Other Than Governor)

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Only

Petition in Place of Filing Fee

Candidates for any office except U.S. President may choose to submit a Petition in Place of Filing Fee instead of paying the filing fee. Since there is no filing fee for U.S. President, those candidates should use the special Nominating Petitions below.

A candidate's affidavit of candidacy and Petition in Place of Filing Fee must be presented together to the filing officer during the filing period.

However, the signatures may be gathered prior to the filing period for this particular petition. (Reiter vs. Kiffmeyer, A06-1508)

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

  • U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
  • State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
  • U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
  • State legislative office, or office of district judge: 500 signatures
  • County office: 500 signatures
  • Other offices: the lesser of 500 signatures or 5% of the total number of votes cast in the last general election that included that office

Any Office (Other Than President or Governor)

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Only

Nominating Petitions

A candidate who is running for a federal or state office as a member of a minor political party or as an independent candidate must file by Nominating Petition to have their name placed on the general election ballot.

For most offices, a candidate's affidavit of candidacy and Nominating Petition must be presented together to the filing officer during the filing period. The exception is U.S. President and Vice President which does not require an affidavit of candidacy.

All signatures must be obtained during the filing period.

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

  • Presidential electors: 2,000 signatures
  • U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
  • State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
  • U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
  • State legislative office: 500 signatures

Partisan Offices (Other Than President or Governor)

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Only

U.S. President and Vice President Only