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1. 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.

2. Do I have to declare a political party?

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

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, Democratic-Farmer-Labor, or Republican must also submit a nominating petition.

3. What are 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.

4. Where do I file my affidavit of candidacy?

Every candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy. Affidavits for city elections are filed with the City Clerk's Office at Burnsville City Hall and school district offices are filed with the school district. The affidavits for county offices are filed with the Dakota County Treasurer-Auditor. For state offices where the entire district is in Dakota County, the affidavit is filed with the Treasurer-Auditor. 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.

5. What are 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.

M.S. 211B.045 Noncommerical Signs Exemption: In any municipality with an ordinance that regulates the size of noncommercial signs, notwithstanding the provisions of that ordinance, all noncommercial signs of any size may be posted from August 1 in a state general election year until ten days following the state general election. Dakota County has policies governing the placing of signs on rights-of-way and municipalities may have their own ordinances.

6. What are 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.

7. What does it cost to file for office?

The City filing fee is $20. Other 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.