 Filing for mayor and City Council opens July 14
The terms of Mayor Elise Ryan, Councilmember Jerry McDonald and Councilmember Mark von Oven will expire at the end of 2026. Terms of office are four years and members are elected at large. The municipal election will be held with the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Residents interested in running for city office may file for candidacy during office hours from Tuesday, July 14, through Tuesday, July 28, at 5 p.m.
To file, candidates must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- A registered voter
- At least 21 years old when assuming office
- A resident of the city for at least 30 days before the General Election
A $5 filing fee is required.
Some Chanhassen residents have Chaska or Excelsior mailing addresses. This does not affect their status as Chanhassen residents.
Eligible candidates may file the required paperwork in person at City Hall during the filing period. The required paperwork consists of an Affidavit of Candidacy, which includes:
- Name as it will appear on the ballot
- Address and contact information. Address information is private under Minnesota law
- Office being sought: mayor or council member
- Statement that the candidate meets the legal qualifications to hold office
- Signature and notarization, or witnessing by the filing officer, provided by city staff
After filing, candidates may need to complete campaign finance forms if they raise or spend money on their campaign. These forms are generally not required at the time of filing. No petition signatures are required.
After filing, candidates are invited to attend an orientation meeting with city staff to learn more about the role and current city issues that may be useful before campaigning.
Candidates who have filed may withdraw their name from the ballot by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the city clerk. Candidates may withdraw during the filing period, or by 5 p.m. within two days after the filing period ends.
For any questions, or if you would like to schedule a time to file for candidacy, please contact City Clerk Jenny Potter at 952-227-1107 or at clerk@chanhassenmn.gov
Primary Registration Deadline
The advance registration deadline for the State Primary is Tuesday, July 21. Minnesota also allows same-day registration when voting early in person or on Election Day, but registering in advance can save time at the polls. Early registration and voting are available through Carver County.
Know where to vote on Election Day
The State Primary will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11. Residents planning to vote on Election Day are encouraged to confirm their polling place before heading out.
Reminder about campaign signs
Minnesota law allows political signs during the election season, which runs from June 26 through Nov. 13 for the 2026 election cycle.
Campaign signs should be placed on private property with the property owner’s permission. Signs may not be placed in the public right of way, within sight triangles or within 100 feet of a polling location. The city may remove signs that violate these rules.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged in the 2026 election process.
|
