Spring Lake Park outlines 2026 filing dates, eligibility and campaign rules for mayor and council races

City Administrator and Clerk/Treasurer Dan Buchholtz presented a step-by-step overview for residents considering runs for mayor or city council, announcing that candidate filing for the 2026 municipal elections opens July 14 and closes at 5 p.m. July 28 at Spring Lake Park City Hall.

Buchholtz said the presentation was intended to give prospective candidates a practical outline of eligibility, filing requirements and campaign rules, and he cautioned that the talk was not legal advice. “This presentation is intended for residents who may be considering a run for Mayor or City Council,” he said, and prospective candidates should consult official resources for legal questions.

Under Spring Lake Park’s statutory Plan A structure, the mayor and city council serve together as the city’s governing body and make decisions collectively at public meetings. Buchholtz explained that terms are four years and that elections are staggered: two council seats are elected in presidential years, while the mayor and two council seats appear on the ballot in midterm years.

To be eligible, Buchholtz said a candidate must be eligible to vote in Minnesota, be at least 21 years old when taking office, and be a resident of Spring Lake Park or establish residency at least 30 days before the general election. A candidate may not have an Affidavit of Candidacy on file for another office in the same election.

An Affidavit of Candidacy must be filed during the filing period; the filing fee is $15, or a candidate may submit a qualifying nominating petition instead of paying the fee. Candidates may withdraw during the filing period or by 5 p.m. July 30; after that deadline a candidate’s name remains on the ballot. The general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.

Buchholtz urged careful recordkeeping from the start of a campaign. He said Minnesota law requires campaign finance reporting once a candidate raises or spends more than $750 in a calendar year, and that reports are filed with the City and are public records. For local offices, he said a candidate generally may not accept more than $600 from a single contributor in an election year, corporate contributions are prohibited, and contributions over $100 generally must be itemized and reported.

On campaign communications, Buchholtz reminded candidates that most materials must include a disclaimer identifying the person or committee responsible for the communication and that materials should not imply City endorsement or use City logos, seals, letterhead, or other official branding. He summarized sign rules: campaign signs may be placed only on private property with the owner’s consent, are prohibited on public property including parks, public facilities, utility poles and medians, and must not obstruct driver visibility at intersections or driveways.

Buchholtz reiterated that the City’s role in elections is primarily administrative: the City accepts filings, administers elections and receives campaign finance reports. He said the City does not investigate or enforce campaign finance or fair campaign practice complaints; those matters are generally handled through the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings.

Prospective candidates were directed to additional resources, including the City of Spring Lake Park website, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s candidate and campaign finance guides, and the League of Minnesota Cities. Buchholtz named Deputy City Clerk Wanda Brown as a point of contact at City Hall for questions about forms and procedures.

Buchholtz closed by encouraging residents to engage in local government through running for office, volunteering, or attending meetings.