Minnesota Launches Candidate Resources, Filing Opens May 19

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New Candidate Resources Now Available

April 21, 2026 Resources include webpages, updated candidate affidavits, 2026 Campaign Manual

SAINT PAUL – Four weeks ahead of the candidate filing period, Minnesota Secretary of Steve Simon announced a suite of new resources for Minnesotans looking to run for office. The new resources include reimagined webpages for with information on how candidates file for office, updated candidate affidavits, and the 2026 Campaign Manual.

“Running for office is one of the most important things citizens can do for their communities,” said Secretary Simon. “We are committed to making it easier for every Minnesotan to understand how they can become a candidate.”

The candidate filing period for all federal, state, and county offices in Minnesota begins on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 and closes on June 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.* Requirements for candidates vary by the office type and political party affiliation. In the updated Become a Candidate section of mnvotes.gov, Minnesotans can find qualifications and filing instructions for each office.

New laws have changed the process for candidates when filing, this will be the first statewide candidate filing period where state and local candidates** are required to show a photo ID and provide proof-of-residence to the filing officer when submitting their affidavit. (Sec. 204B.06 MN Statutes) Candidates also now have clearer instructions for keeping their address of residence private, under new laws that were passed in 2023.

The Office has also updated Candidate Affidavits to comply with new laws that will be in place for this filing period. Candidate Affidavits vary slightly depending on the office. There are four versions of the Candidate Affidavits – federal; state and judicial; county and special districts; and, city, town, school district, and special districts. Previously, there was only one form for all offices.

The 2026 Campaign Manual is also now available online. It includes general information for candidates on campaign financial reporting and fair campaign practices.

*Candidates for local offices where a primary is possible file from May 19 – June 2, 2026; if the jurisdiction does not hold primaries, the filing period is from July 14 – July 28, 2026.

**Federal candidates, as well as candidates for judicial office, county attorney, and county sheriff are exempt from this requirement.

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