Candidate Campaign Information

In 2026, three seats on the Bemidji City Council will be up for election:

• Councilmember Ward 2 (four-year term beginning January 4, 2027)
• Councilmember Ward 4 (four-year term beginning January 4, 2027)
• Councilmember At Large (four-year term beginning January 4, 2027)

Filing Period

Individuals interested in running for office can file an Affidavit of Candidacy together with proof of residency and filing fee of $5.00 at Bemidji City Hall, 317 4th Street NW.

Time:    8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Date:    Tuesday, May 19 through Tuesday, June 2

City offices will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 to accept filings.

Candidate filing information packets and affidavits of candidacy are available below or from the office of the City Clerk.  Questions should be directed to the City Clerk - 218.759.3570

Election Dates

August 11, 2026 - Primary Election (if needed)
November 3, 2026 - General Election

Early Voting

June 26, 2026 at Beltrami County Auditor Treasurer's Office, 701 Minnesota Ave NW, Suite 220

Minnesota Campaign Manual

Bemidji City Charter

Bemidji City Code - Article II Mayor & Council salaries and travel compensation

Form: Campaign Financial Report (see back for due dates-file with City Clerk)

Form: Campaign Finance Report Certification of Filing (file with City Clerk within 7 days of a general or special election in which their name is on the ballot)

Bemidji City Code

City of Bemidji Maps

Secretary of State Campaigning Webpage

Secretary of State Campaign Filing Wepage – to order lists

Secretary of State Campaign Finance Filings – contains good information about campaign finance reporting

MINNESOTA CAMPAIGN PRACTICES VIOLATIONS

The Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is authorized to hear and decide complaints alleging violations of the Fair Campaign Practices and Finance Acts (Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 211A and 211B ). Some examples of complaints filed with the OAH might include allegations of false campaign materials, unauthorized campaign signs and pamphlets, improper inducements to vote, and prohibited political activities by corporations. These complaints are heard by a panel of three Administrative Law Judges who may dismiss the matter, issue a reprimand, impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000, and/or refer the complaint to a county attorney for criminal proceedings.

To file a complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings:

• Contact the OAH on its website
• Complete the Campaign Practices Complaint Form
• You will need to cite which part of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211B (Fair Campaign Practices) or Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211A (Campaign Financial Reports) you believe was violated.
• Have the form notarized (or signed by an election judge at the polling place on Election Day) and return it to the Office of Administrative Hearings.

 MINNESOTA CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is responsible for enforcement of laws and rules related to candidates running for state constitutional offices, state legislators, and judges. Their jurisdiction covers campaign contributions, campaign expenditures, campaign fundraising practices, gifts to candidates and elected officials, as well as other aspects of campaign finance covered under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 10A, and Minnesota Rules 4500-4525.

To file a complaint with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board:

• Contact the Campaign Finance Board on its website
• Complete the Campaign Finance Complaint Form
• You will need to cite which part of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10A or Chapter 211B you believe was violated
• Return the form to the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board