Mark Your Calendars: Candidate Filing for November Elections Opens May 21 in Rice County

The filing period for county, state, and federal offices begins on May 21, signaling the start of the electoral race for November's general election. This period starts at 8 a.m. on May 21 and ends at 5 p.m. on June 4. For presidential elector candidates from non-major political parties and independents, the filing deadline extends to August 20, with a certification deadline for major party candidates on August 27.

Candidates for federal offices must file at the Office of the Secretary of State in St. Paul, Minnesota. State office candidates can file there or with their county auditor. Note that the offices will be closed on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day, which may affect filing times.

Minnesota Statutes section 204B.09 (1a) allows candidates who are out of state during the filing period to file the week before they leave. This provision ensures all potential candidates can participate.

The upcoming elections will decide various federal and state legislative roles, as well as several judicial seats, including positions in the Minnesota Supreme Court, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and district courts. Judicial candidates must file in their home jurisdiction, and those running for appellate seats must have resided in their district for at least one year.

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