Candidate filing period begins May 17
The official candidate filing period for individuals interested in running for most public offices in Minnesota in 2016 runs from May 17 to May 31. Candidates for federal, state, county and some local offices must file for office during this period for their name to appear on the ballot.
Candidates for President, Vice-President and U.S. Representative must file with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Candidates for State Senator, State Representative and any Judicial office may file with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State or the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides.
Candidates for county offices must file with their county auditor. In Todd County the seats currently held by Barb Becker, Rod Erickson and Randy Newmann are up for election this year. In Wadena County those seats are currently held by Jim Hofer and Rodney Bounds.
The filing period for candidates for Staples Motley School Board, Staples City Council and Motley City Council is Aug. 2-16.
Municipal candidates must file with their municipal clerk. School district candidates must file with their school district clerk.Candidates for special districts, such as hospital or park districts, should contact the district’s office for information on the filing process.
The school board seats currently held by Roy DiGiovanni, Chad Longbella and Bryan Winkels will be up for election this year.
For the City of Staples the mayor and four council positions will be elected. Chris Etzler is currently mayor. The four council seats are currently held by Doug Case, Mike Isenberg, Kevin Jenkins and Mary Theurer.
For the City of Motley the mayor and two council members wll be elected. Nancy Nieken is the mayor. The council seats are currently held by Steve Johnson and Pat O’Regan.
Candidates can find information about filing for office, along with information on campaign finance, filing a campaign committee and fair campaign practices, at www.sos.state.mn.us in the “Election Administration & Campaigns” section.
