Considering a Run for Office? North Dakota’s Filing Rules Explained

The election season is ramping up fast, and locally, things are already getting interesting. In Williston, at least four people have officially stepped forward to announce their candidacy for mayor, and three candidates have announced plans to run for city commission. That kind of early activity is a clear sign that civic engagement is strong—and it may even have you wondering: could you run for office too?

If the idea has crossed your mind, it’s important to know that running for office in North Dakota comes with specific steps and requirements, depending on the level and type of office you’re seeking. While the process is very doable, it does require organization, paperwork, and attention to deadlines.

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Getting on the Ballot in North Dakota: Filing Requirements for State and Federal Candidates

For federal, statewide, legislative, and judicial contests, the filing officer is the North Dakota Secretary of State. Partisan candidates have two main paths to get on the ballot. One option is earning a political party endorsement, which requires a Certificate of Endorsement. Statewide offices are endorsed at statewide party conventions, while legislative offices are endorsed at legislative district meetings. The second option is the petition process, which uses a Petition/Certificate of Nomination. For statewide offices, candidates need signatures equal to 3% of the total votes cast for that office or party affiliation in the last general election, with a maximum of 300 signatures. Legislative candidates need signatures equal to 1% of their district’s population, also capped at 300. Petitions cannot be circulated before January 1 of an election year.

In addition to either an endorsement or petition, partisan candidates must file an Affidavit of Candidacy and a Statement of Interests through the online system at vote.nd.gov. The 2026 election will include races for U.S. House of Representatives, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, Tax Commissioner, Public Service Commissioner, and odd-numbered legislative districts.

Non-partisan candidates at the state level also file with the Secretary of State. These candidates must submit a Petition/Certificate of Nomination with a minimum of 300 signatures from qualified North Dakota voters, along with an Affidavit of Candidacy and a Statement of Interests. All the details you need are here.

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Running for Local Office in North Dakota: What City, County, and School Board Candidates Need to Know

For those considering local office, the process is slightly different but just as important. All county and city contests in North Dakota are non-partisan. In Williston, candidates for mayor or city commission must file with the City Auditor. To get on the ballot, candidates need a Petition/Certificate of Nomination signed by 10% of qualified voters who voted for that office in the last city election, with a maximum of 300 signatures. A Statement of Interests is also required.

County offices, such as county commissioners and various district boards, generally require petitions ranging from 2% of voters to fixed signature counts, depending on the office. School board races are the simplest, with no petition requirement—candidates only need to file a statement declaring their name and the position sought, along with a Statement of Interests. You can get more information here.

With interest already building in Williston’s local races, this election season is shaping up to be an engaging one. Whether you plan to vote, volunteer, or even run, understanding the process is the first step toward participating in local democracy.