Running For Office - 2022

To Hold Office in St. Cloud

To hold an elected position in the city of St. Cloud, you must:

In 2022, elections will be conducted for the Ward council members. Councilmembers are elected to 4 year terms. Terms will begin in January 2023 and end in January 2027. (elected candidates are sworn in at the first regular Council meeting in January following election).

In cases where more than 2 individuals file for any ward, a primary election will be held. If required, a municipal primary election would be held in conjunction with the state primary on Tuesday, August 9th 2022. The two candidates receiving the most votes will then have their names placed on the ballot for a general election on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.

See who has filed for office this year.

To File For office please download and review the following forms: Required Forms (PDF)
Filings Opens: Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Filing Closes: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Deadline to Withdraw 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022.
These forms must be received in the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 1201 7th Street South.

Petition for Nomination (PDF): Each candidate or committee will be required to submit this petition signed by 25 individuals registered to vote in the city of St. Cloud. Please have each individual sign and print their name and address in the space provided. Registrations will be verified so it is recommended that you acquire extra signatures in case some of the individuals signing your petition are not properly registered. Each petition form has room for 10 signatures per page. Feel free to make as many copies as you need in order to acquire 25 verifiable signatures.
Affidavit of Candidate for Nomination (PDF): This form must be completed by the individual running for office, and is to be submitted along with a $5 filing fee. While the petition noted above can be circulated and submitted by a group or individual other than the candidate him/herself, the affidavit for nomination form must be signed by the candidate for office.
Affidavit of Withdrawal of Candidacy (PDF): If you wish to withdraw, you may do so until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th, 2020. This form must be completed and submitted at that time.

Campaign Finance

Campaign Financial Reports: This form is to be submitted at various times throughout the campaign.
The initial report of the candidate or committee must be filed within 14 days of the candidate or committee receiving contributions or making disbursements of more than $750.
Ten days before the primary election
Ten days before the general election
A final report may be filed any time after the candidate or committee has settled all debts and disposed of all assets in excess of $100
Candidates may not accept aggregate contributions in excess of $600 made or delivered by an individual or committee in an election year. In addition, candidates must provide the name, address, employer or occupation, amount, and date of contributions from a single source that exceeds $100.
Campaign Financial Report - Certification of Filing (PDF): Each candidate or committee is required to submit this form within 7 days after the general election.
Minnesota Campaign Manual (PDF): This pamphlet outlines fair reporting and campaign practices. Please note the sections relating to contributions, advertising and election day activities.
Candidate Name Pronunciation (PDF): See this notice from the State of Minnesota regarding pronunciation of your name for use on the Automark machine read ballot.

See this notice (PDF) from the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the placement of campaign signs. Please note, the city prohibits posting of any campaign signs in any street right of way. Signs found in this space may constitute a traffic hazard and will be removed immediately. To avoid having your signs removed, simply remember to post them "inside" the sidewalk on private property - not on the street / boulevard side of the walkway. In addition, no signs may be posted on public property such as parks, medians, or other open spaces.