2021 Municipal Candidate Guide - City clerk's office 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952-924-2503
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2021 Municipal
Candidate Guide
City clerk’s office
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-924-2503
Table of Contents Thank you for your interest in serving as a public official for
the City of St. Louis Park. The city clerk’s office is pleased to
provide you with this guide for our 2021 municipal election.
Welcome- Page 1 This guide contains general information regarding candidate
filing, the election process, and Council Rules of Procedure.
General Information - Page 2 The St. Louis Park city code, city charter, and Minnesota
statutes govern the conduct of elections in the city.
Candidate filing - Page 3 Municipal elections are nonpartisan, and candidate names
are placed on the ballot without party designation.
Campaign finance – Page 4
Our commitment to you, as a candidate and voter, is to
provide a fair and impartial election process that is responsive
Ranked-choice voting - Pages 5 - 6 and accessible to all voters in the community. We encourage
active participation, and welcome constructive feedback.
Voter outreach and education - Page 7
The filing period for municipal offices opens at 8:00 am
Election campaign signs – Page 8 on July 27, 2021 and closes at 5:00 pm on August 10, 2021
For further information regarding elections in the city, please
Local elections calendar - Page 9 visit our website at www.stlouispark.org/vote
Contact information - back cover If you have additional questions or need more information,
please contact me at 952-928-2840.
Additional Resources Melissa Kennedy
City Clerk, MCMC
Candidate filing forms:
St. Louis Park — a home rule charter city
Nominating petition St. Louis Park operates under the council-manager form of
government. An elected city council sets the policy and
Affidavit of candidacy overall direction for St. Louis Park. City staff, under the
direction of a professional city manager, carry out council
Affidavit of withdrawal decisions and provide day-to-day city services. The city
manager is accountable to the city council.
Minnesota campaign manual
St. Louis Park is a home rule charter city. This means the city
Campaign finance resources: obtains its authority from a locally enacted home rule charter,
which is essentially a city constitution.
Reporting forms
St. Louis Park voters elect the mayor and six (two at-large and
Certification of filing four ward) city council members to four-year terms. The
mayor and at-large council members represent all residents;
Campaign committee statement the ward council members are primarily responsible for
representing residents within their wards. During public
St. Louis Park precinct maps meetings, the city council transacts regular city business and
makes decisions about policies and programs by determining
St. Louis Park outreach materials what is best for the community’s present and future well-
being, what best reflects the values of the community they
General information serve, and how the city’s resources can be allocated to
provide the best value to the community.
1
General information
St. Louis Park city offices on the ballot in 2021
Council Member Ward 1
Council Member Ward 2
Council Member Ward 3
Council Member Ward 4
All offices are nonpartisan. Candidate names are placed on the ballot without party designation. The terms of
all newly elected members of the council begin with the first regularly scheduled city council meeting in
January, 2022. The offices of mayor and at-large council members will be on the ballot in 2023.
Eligibility to hold office
According to Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, candidates for public office
must:
be an eligible voter;
be at least 21 years of age upon assuming office;
have resided in St. Louis Park for at least 30 days prior to the general election.
Election dates for city offices
Regular municipal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd-numbered
years. Primary elections are not held in St. Louis Park for any municipal office.
General Election - November 2, 2021
City council and Economic Development Authority (EDA) meetings
The city council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 pm.
City council study sessions are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
The EDA meets Monday evenings on an “as needed basis”. Meetings are typically held just prior to regularly
scheduled city council meetings.
Compensation
Minnesota Statute 415.11 states that Council can fix their own salaries in such
amount that they deem reasonable. Any increases to salaries must take effect after
the next municipal election but any decreases to salaries can take effect anytime. In
October 2015, Council implemented an automatic increase to salaries. Since that
time, a mechanism is in place for both EDA and Council/Mayor to have pay adjusted
in an amount equal to cumulative adjustments for non-organized city employees
since the last adjustment. A history of salaries:
2
Candidate filing
Filing dates
Candidate filing opens on July 27, 2021 at 8:00 am and closes on August 10, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
Candidates who will be absent from the state during the entire filing period may arrange to file prior to
departure with the city clerk by calling 952-928-2840.
Filing location
St. Louis Park City Hall, 3rd Floor, 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.
The city clerk’s office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the city
clerk’s office will be open until 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the filing period, August 10.
Nomination by petition
All candidates for municipal office shall be nominated by petition.
Nominating petition forms are provided with this packet. The format of the nomination petition must
substantially follow the example provided.
Nominating petitions must contain the signatures of at least 50 registered voters qualified to vote for
the office specified in the petition.
Nominating petitions must be filed during the filing period with the city clerk at St. Louis Park City Hall,
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard.
Signatures may only be obtained during the filing period (July 27 - August 10).
No elector shall sign petitions for more candidates than the number of places to be filled at the election,
and should the elector do so that signature shall be void as to the petition or petitions last filed.
Filing fee
A $20.00 filing fee is due at the time of filing the nominating petition.
Affidavit of candidacy
Candidates are required to file an affidavit of candidacy with the city clerk during the filing period. All
information provided on the form is public information except a home address that is private information
under the safe at home provision.
Withdrawal deadline
A candidate for municipal elective office may withdraw their name from the election by submitting an affidavit
of withdrawal to the city clerk no later than 5:00 pm on August 12, 2021. Thereafter, no candidate may file an
affidavit of withdrawal and their name must appear on the ballot. An affidavit of withdrawal is provided with
this packet.
3
Campaign financial reporting
General information & resources
Candidates and their committees for elective office are responsible for following the provisions of St. Louis
Park Home Rule Charter, Minnesota Statutes 211A and 211B regarding Campaign Financial Reporting and Fair
Campaign Practices. Please remember that the city clerk’s office cannot interpret laws or provide campaign
or financial advice for candidates.
Enclosed for your reference are the following:
2020 Minnesota Campaign Manual - This contains a digest and the text of Chapters 211A & 211B
Campaign finance reporting schedule and reporting forms
St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter
Initial report
A committee or a candidate must submit an initial report to the filing officer (city clerk) within 14 days after the
candidate or committee receives or makes disbursements of more than $750 in a calendar year and shall
continue to make the reports listed below.
Campaign finance reporting schedule - to be followed after initial report has been filed
October 23, 2021 - A report needs to be filed 10 days before the general election
November 9, 2021 - Certification of filing due (see below)
December 2, 2021- A report needs to be filed 30 days after the general election
January 31, 2021 - A report needs to be filed by January 31 of each year unless a final report has been filed
Final Report - due after candidate has settled all debts and disposed of all assets in excess of $100
Certification of filing - due November 9, 2021
Each candidate or committee shall certify to the filing officer that all reports required by Section 211A.02 have
been submitted to the filing officer OR that the candidate or committee has not received contributions or
made disbursements exceeding $750 in the calendar year.
Final report
A candidate or committee may file a final report when all debts have been settled and all assets in excess of
$100 in the aggregate are disposed of. The final report may be filed at any time and must include the kinds of
information contained in the financial statements required by Section 211A.02 for the period from the last
report to the date of the final report.
Notice of failure to file
If a candidate or committee fails to file a report on the date it is due, the filing officer shall immediately notify
the candidate or committee of a failure to file. If a report is not filed within 10 days after the notification is
mailed, the filing officer shall file a complaint under Section 211B.32.
4Ranked-choice voting
More choices, more voices
The City of St. Louis Park uses the ranked-choice voting system for municipal elections to elect mayor and
councilmembers. Municipal elections occur in the odd-numbered years.
The ranked-choice voting system will be used for the second time in the city on Nov. 2, 2021 to elect all four
ward councilmembers.
What is ranked-choice voting?
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting that allows voters to rank multiple candidates for the same
office in order of preference. RCV can only be used to elect the offices of mayor and councilmember. It is not
used in elections for the school board, county, state or federal offices. RCV combines the primary and general
election into one event in November.
Using the ranked-choice voting system, votes are tabulated to determine winners. In order to be declared the
winner of a race, a candidate must reach a threshold of 50 percent plus one of the total votes cast for the
office.
How to vote on a ranked-choice ballot
In 2021 St. Louis Park voters will be able to rank up to three choices for each city office on their ballot. School
district races will be located on the opposite side of the ballot and will use the traditional, non-RCV voting
method.
Mark only one candidate in each column
Always vote left to right
Flip the ballot over to vote in school district races
5Ranked-choice voting
How are votes counted?
1. After the polls have closed on election night, all first-choice votes are counted and reported to the public,
similar to what happens in all other elections.
2. If a candidate reaches the threshold (50 percent plus one of total votes cast for that office) with first-choice
votes, they will be declared the winner of that race. No more counting is needed.
3. If no candidate reaches the threshold with first-choice votes and more than two candidates are running for
that office, the ranked-choice voting process kicks in and round-by-round counting will begin the day
following the election.
4. The next round of counting begins by eliminating all candidates with no mathematical possibility of
winning. Votes for the eliminated candidates are transferred to the next ranked candidate (second or third
choice) on those ballots. Votes are then recounted.
5. If no candidate reaches the threshold, the process is repeated until either:
a. One candidate reaches the established threshold of 50 percent plus one of the total votes cast for
the office and is declared the winner.
b. Only two candidates remain. The candidate receiving the most votes is declared the winner.
6Voter outreach and education
The City of St. Louis Park views elections as a way the community can come together and voice their opinion.
Running for office gives you a unique opportunity to be a leader. Deciding to participate in local elections can
be a large undertaking. We appreciate your commitment to your community and seek to offer you official
resources that you can use to help educate residents about the upcoming election.
As a member of the community who is out speaking to voters you are an important source of information for
them. You may use our materials as they are designed to explain how ranked-choice works in this city. Keep in
mind that other cities in the area have subtle differences in how they use ranked-choice voting. Material from
other areas or other organizations may not provide accurate information. In your toolkit you will find
information on ranked-choice voting and other outreach material like voter registration applications.
The city seeks to promote understanding of ranked-choice voting to encourage residents to participate in this
election. Our elections staff can answer all complex questions about the system, however we have found
that typically a voter may only want to know how to vote a ballot, or the basics of how a ranked-choice race
is counted. Voters seeking detailed information on more complicated topics may speak to our staff to have
the definitive answer on how the system will work in this city.
We will provide education and answer your questions as they come up and we ask that if you aren’t certain of
the answer to a question that you forward it to us. This way we can be sure that a voter understands the
impact of their choices. Answers to the most commonly asked questions are included in this your tool kit and
available online at www.stlouispark.org/vote. Thank you again for your commitment to enhancing civic
knowledge and engagement in your community.
Please use the materials that have been provided to you, and reach out to us for more when you need them.
How can residents get involved in elections?
There are several opportunities and ways for people to get involved with elections in St. Louis Park.
Become an election judge or student election judge
Join the student election program
Hold an event in your community
Voter registration drive
Education session on ranked-choice voting and
elections
Invite the elections team to come out to speak
All of this information and more can be found on our website, www.stlouispark.org/vote
Contact the elections team at 952.924.2503 or elections@stlouispark.org
7Election campaign signs
Regulations
The city asks for your cooperation by compliance with these regulations during the 2021 election cycle.
Chapter 36 Zoning, Section 36-362 (h)(5) of the St. Louis Park Municipal Ordinance Code regulates
political signs.
(5) Political Signs
a. Political signs of any size are permitted in any number from 46 days before a general election.
b. Political signs must be removed within ten days after the general election has been held.
c. Political signs shall not be placed on the public right-of-way or any publicly owned property,
including boulevard trees and utility poles.
d. Political signs shall not obstruct the vision at an intersection or otherwise constitute a hazard to
public safety.
If you have additional questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 952-928-2840.
Information regarding campaign signs from the Minnesota Department of Transportation is also included in
this packet.
Election Sign Safety
Placement - Candidates and their supporters are required to adhere to the city ordinance provisions related to
the proper placement of signs. Please be careful not to create any sight obstructions for motorists,
pedestrians, and bicyclists that may cause accidents.
Materials - Candidates frequently use 3/8” steel re-bar rods to hold signs in place. The re-bar often has
expressed sharp edges on the top. This creates a safety concern particularly since these edges are at
the height of small children who may accidentally fall or run into them. Be sure that signs made of any
material are safe and placed in a way that is safe for people who are running, walking or biking.
8Local elections calendar
In all matters, Minnesota election law or city charter is the final authority, not this calendar.
Date Day Important Information
July 27 Tuesday Candidate filing opens at 8:00 a.m.
August 10 Tuesday Candidate filing closes at 5:00 p.m.
August 12 Thursday Last day for candidates to withdraw from election - closes at 5 p.m.
Sept. 6 Monday Labor Day - city offices closed
Sept. 17 Friday Absentee voting begins for general election
October 12 Tuesday Voter pre-registration closes at 5 p.m. for general election
October 23 Saturday Campaign finance report due - 10 days before general election
October 30 Saturday St. Louis Park City Hall open for absentee voting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
November 1 Monday Absentee voting ends at 5 p.m. for general election
November 2 Tuesday ELECTION DAY - polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November 5-12 Period of time to canvass results of general election
November 9 Tuesday Certification of filing report due - 7 days after the general election
November 11 Thursday Veterans Day - city offices closed
December 2 Thursday Campaign finance report due - 30 days after the general election
January 3, 2022 Terms begin for newly-elected council members
January 31, 2022 Campaign financial report due - unless final report has been filed
92021 Precinct polling locations
Polling locations may change prior to election day. An
updated list is posted to the city website and includes the
address, main entrance and directions for both public
transit or driving a vehicle. Voters can also be encouraged
to walk, bike or use other forms of transit to the polling
place if it is in close proximity to their home.
If a voter is unsure which precinct they are in, they may
consult the Minnesota Secretary of State's online poll finder
which is also linked on the St. Louis Park website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.stlouispark.org/vote
City of St. Louis Park Elections
952.924.2503
elections@stlouispark.org
City Clerk - Melissa Kennedy
952-928-2840
mkennedy@stlouispark.org
Hennepin County Elections
612-348-5151
City of St. Louis Park
www.hennepin.us/elections
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-928-2840
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