County Candidates and Committees
The following information applies to county-level candidates for Ramsey County offices. For more information on election law, please see Minnesota Statutes Chapters 211A and 211B.
2022 Campaign Finance Manual: Campaign Financial Reporting and Fair Campaign Practices and additions (current version; published by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State)
New candidates and committees
All candidates/committees are required to file campaign finance reports when they exceed $750 in campaign contributions and/or expenditures in a calendar year. Upon filing the following two forms, you become registered with Ramsey County Elections and then follow the reporting schedule for registered candidates/committees. This registration stays active until a final report is filed.
Registration and Statement of Organization form (PDF)
Due within 14 days of the candidate/committee reaching the $750 threshold. Updated statements must be filed any time there is a change in committee information (except liquid assets).
Initial report form (PDF)
One-time report due within 14 days of the candidate/committee exceeding the $750 threshold. This report opens an account registration with Ramsey County Elections. If this report has been previously filed, it does not need to be filed again unless the candidate/committee closed its account with Ramsey County Elections in the past and so must open a new account.
Reports and forms due from registered committees
Registered candidates/committees are those who have filed a Registration and Statement of Organization and Initial Report (but not a final report) and therefore have an active registration with Ramsey County Elections.
The reporting period for all reports is the day following the last reporting date on the previously filed report up to and including the fifth day before the current report is due.
Contributor Address Withholding Form (PDF) - submit this form if a contributor must withhold address information from a report, as provided in Minn. Stat. §211A.02, subd. 2.
During a year when the office is not on the ballot
January report form (PDF)
Due on January 31 of each year
During a year when the office is on the ballot
Statement of Economic Interest Form
Due from county candidates within 14 days of filing an affidavit of candidacy or petition to appear on the ballot. County Commissioners only submit this form within 60 days of assuming office.
Pre-primary report form (PDF)
Due 10 days prior to the primary
Pre-general report form (PDF)
Due 10 days prior to the general election
Certification of Filing form (PDF)
Due within 7 days after the general or special election
Post-general report form (PDF)
Due 30 days after the general election
January report form (PDF)
Due January 31 of each year
Closing committee accounts
Final report (PDF)
May be submitted at any time after all debts have been paid and assets in excess of $100 have been disposed of. Filing a final report closes the candidate/committee account and ends all reporting requirements with Ramsey County Elections. For laws governing disposal of assets, see MS Ch. 211A.13 and MS Ch. 211B.12 subd. 6.
Contribution limits
Contribution limits – Ramsey County Commissioner
Years when office is not on the ballot: $250
Years when office is on the ballot: $600
Contribution limits – Ramsey County Sheriff, Attorney, Conservation District Supervisor
Years when office is not on the ballot: $250
Years when office is on the ballot: $1000
Prohibited committee transfers
Candidates for county offices may not accept transfers from a principal campaign committee (such as a committee established for a candidate for a state office under MS Ch. 10A) and must not make contributions to a principal campaign committee, unless the contribution is made from the personal funds of the candidate.