Candidates must be:

• Eligible to vote in Minnesota
• At least 21 years old upon assuming office
• Not running for another office in the upcoming election
• A Minnetonka resident at least 30 days before the general election

Before your name can appear on the ballot, you must take the following steps:

1. Review candidate eligibility requirements, the candidate information packet and the required financial reports.
   • Please note: If you have already received at least $750 in contributions or distributions, you may need to submit your initial financial report before you file for office.
2. File for office at the Minnetonka City Clerk’s Office, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., during the open filing period.
   • You will need to complete an affidavit of candidacy and pay the $5 filing fee.
   • Your name will appear on the ballot exactly as you write it in the top box of the Minnesota affidavit of candidacy form.
   • While campaigning and preparing for this election, you must ensure that your financial reports are current and that you are filing all required reports with the city clerk’s office.

Write-in candidates

On general election ballots, voters always have the option of writing in a name instead of voting for one of the candidates listed on the ballot. However, write-in candidates for city offices must file the following form for the votes they receive to be counted.

• The write-in declaration of intent form can be sent to the city clerk's office and must be submitted no later than seven days before Election Day.

A candidate information packet providing general information on running for Minnetonka City Council will be provided closer to the 2027 candidate filing period. Candidates should seek their own legal counsel to ensure their efforts comply with the law.

Responsibilities

The Minnetonka City Council is the governing body of the city. The council includes a mayor, two at-large councilmembers and four Ward councilmembers, each representing a geographic area of the city. The council is responsible for setting city policy, approving the annual budget and tax levy and establishing the city’s strategic plan. Councilmembers also represent the city at public events and act as liaisons for various boards and commissions. The council appoints the city manager as the chief administrative officer of the city to oversee the city’s daily operations.

Expectations

All municipal seats are nonpartisan. In setting policy, councilmembers make decisions through respectful dialog and collaboration that meet the needs of residents and constituents.  

Time and Compensation

Serving as a councilmember is a time commitment. Councilmembers attend at least three weeknight meetings or study sessions per month, which typically last an average of three hours. In addition, councilmembers must be familiar with city issues, dedicate time to read council meeting agenda packets (typically 200 to 300 pages), follow up with questions and respond to resident inquiries. The mayor receives an annual salary of $25,262.50; councilmembers receive an annual salary of $19,350.

State law doesn't allow local governments to post links or bios of candidates running for office.  Voter can find out more about the candidates through the following resources:

• The Secretary of State's candidate filings website lists the candidates and their websites, if they provide one. 
• The Sun Sailor typically runs information on local candidates.
• The League of Women Voters of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie-Hopkins typically holds candidate forums.