How to File for Office

What offices will be on Olmsted County ballots in 2010?
Olmsted County residents will vote for:

FEDERAL OFFICES:

U.S. Representative for District 1

STATE OFFICES:

Governor/Lt. Governor

Attorney General

State Senators in Districts 29 and 30

MN State Representatives in Districts 29A, 29B, 30A, & 30B

OLMSTED COUNTY OFFICES:

County Commissioners in Districts 2, 4, & 6

County Sheriff

County Attorney

County Soil & Water Conservation District Officer in District One.  (elected at large, but must be a resident of nominating district, which includes Cascade and Rochester Townships)

County Soil & Water Conservation District Officer in District Two.  (elected at large, but must be a resident of nominating district, which includes Marion and Haverhill Townships)

County Soil & Water Conservation District Officer in District Three.  (elected at large, but must be a resident of nominating district, which includes Eyota, Dover, Elmira Quincy and Viola Townships)

VARIOUS JUDICIAL, MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES.

What qualifications do I need to be a candidate?
You must be a citizen of the United States and be an eligible voter. Qualifications, such as age and years of residency, vary. M.S. 204B.06 lists the specific requirements for each office.

Do I have to declare a political party?
Federal and state offices, except for judicial offices, are partisan offices. You must include a political party name when filing for the office. A candidate who has not filed as Independence Party, Democratic-Farmer-Labor, Green Party or Republican must also submit a nominating petition.

County, municipal, school district and judicial offices are non-partisan offices. Political party identification is not required.

Where do I file my affidavit of candidacy?
Every candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy. The affidavits for county offices are filed with the Olmsted County Property Records & Licensing. For state offices where the entire district is in Olmsted County, the affidavit is filed with the Property Records & Licensing. For federal and state offices that will be voted on in more than one county, the affidavit is filed with the MN Secretary of State in St. Paul. Affidavits for municipal and school district offices are filed with the local clerk.

When do I file for office?
Filing dates for the 2010 elections are:

COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICE
May 18th – June 1st

CITIES AND SCHOOLS WITH PRIMARY ELECTIONS
May 18th – June 1st

CITIES WITHOUT PRIMARY ELECTIONS
August 3rd – August 17th 

When does the term of office begin?
State and county officials elected at the November 2, 2010 General Election begin their term of office on January 3, 2011. (M.S. 204D.02).

What about fair campaign practices?
Fair campaign practices are regulated by M.S. 211B. Some of the practices regulated by this statute are contributions, advertisements, improperly influencing voters, limitations on the purpose for which money is spent, and Election Day campaign activities.

Generally campaign signs may be posted from 46 days before the State Primary in a state general election year until ten days following the State General Election.

M.S. 160.27 regulates placing or affixing advertisements; Olmsted County has policies governing the placing of signs on rights-of-way and municipalities may have their own ordinances.

What about campaign financial reports?
Campaign financial reporting is governed by M.S. 211A. Candidates file their financial reports at the same location they filed their affidavits of candidacy.

If the candidate receives contributions or makes disbursements of more than $750, an initial finance report must be filed within 14 days of receiving or disbursing the $750.

During a year when the candidate's name is on the ballot at least three finance reports must be filed:

• 10 days before the Primary
• 10 days before the General
• 30 days after the General

Annual reports are required by January 31 of each year following an election until a final financial report is filed.

A Certification of Filing must be filed no later than 7 days after the General Election. The certification states that all required financial reports have been submitted.

What about statements of economic interest?
Except for judicial candidates, individuals filing for an elective office must file a statement of economic interest. Candidates for state offices file with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board (formerly Ethical Practices Board). Candidates for local offices file with their governing body (city council, school board, etc.). The statement must be filed within 14 days after filing an affidavit of candidacy and within 60 days of accepting employment.

A supplementary statement must be filed on April 15th of each year the individual remains in office.

Where can I call if I have questions?

When are the 2010 Election Dates?

August 10th - State Primary
November 2nd - State General

What does it cost to file for office?
Filing Fees vary by the office being sought and are governed by M.S. 204B.11, 205.13, and 205A.06. Candidates may present a signed petition in lieu of a filing fee as governed by M.S. 204B.11.

Campaign financial reporting is governed by M.S. 211A. Candidates file their financial reports at the same location they filed their affidavits of candidacy.