Candidate Petitions

The petitions listed on this page may be used when candidates file for office. However, carefully read the details below about which petition(s) might apply for a particular candidate or office.

Before printing out a petition form or collecting signatures, view the example petitions linked below and be sure to understand:

• the form of petitions
• time limits for collecting signatures
• the number of signatures required
• what constitutes a valid petition signature
• when and where the petition needs to be filed

Petition in Place of Filing Fee

Any candidate may choose to submit a Petition in Place of Filing Fee instead of paying the filing fee.

A candidate's affidavit of candidacy and Petition in Place of Filing Fee must be presented together to the filing officer during the filing period. However, the signatures may be gathered prior to the filing period for this particular petition. (Reiter vs. Kiffmeyer, A06-1508)

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

• U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
• State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
• U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
• State legislative office, or office of district judge: 500 signatures
• County office: 500 signatures

Petition in Place of Filing Fee - legal size (print on 8.5" x 14" paper)
Petition in Place of Filing Fee - letter size (print on 8.5" x 11" paper)
Example Petition in Place of Filing Fee

Petition in Place of Filing Fee (Governor & Lt. Governor) (print on 8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper)

Nominating Petitions

A candidate who is running for a federal or state office as a member of a minor political party or as an independent candidate must file by Nominating Petition to have their name placed on the general election ballot.

The Nominating Petition must be presented to the filing officer during the filing period. All signatures must be obtained during the filing period.

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

• Presidential electors: 2,000 signatures
• U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
• State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
• U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
• State legislative office: 500 signatures

Nominating Petition (Partisan Office) - legal size (print on 8.5" x 14" paper)
Nominating Petition (Partisan Office) - letter size (print on 8.5" x 11" paper)
Example Nominating Petition for Partisan Office

Nominating Petition (Governor & Lt. Governor) (print on 8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper)

Nominating Petition (2024 Presidential Electors) (print on 8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper)
Example Nominating Petition for 2024 Presidential Electors

Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee

A candidate who is running for a federal, state, or county office as a member of a minor political party or as an independent candidate may file one petition that serves both as a nominating petition and in place of the filing fee. This petition must state that it is for both purposes. 

The Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee must be presented to the filing officer during the filing period. All signatures must be obtained during the filing period.

The number of signatures required depends on the office sought:

• U.S. Senator: 2,000 signatures
• State office voted on statewide: 2,000 signatures
• U.S. Representative: 1,000 signatures
• State legislative office: 500 signatures
• County office: 500 signatures

Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee (Partisan Office) - legal size (print on 8.5" x 14" paper)
Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee (Partisan Office) - letter size (print on 8.5" x 11" paper)
Example Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee

Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee (Governor & Lt. Governor) (print on 8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper)
Example Combined Nominating Petition and Petition in Place of Filing Fee for Governor & Lt. Governor