Candidate Information Session

May 5, 2026 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is inviting residents interested in serving their community to consider running for local office. Candidate filing for municipal positions will open May 19 and close June 2.

To support prospective candidates, the City will host a Candidate Information Session at City Hall in Conference Room 104 on May 26 at 6 p.m. The session will provide an overview of how Rochester’s local government operates, key responsibilities of elected officials, and important election and filing requirements.

The session will include a brief presentation followed by small group conversations with City leadership, offering candidates the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about City priorities and operations.

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Be an eligible voter in the State of Minnesota
• Be a resident of Rochester for at least 30 days prior to filing
• Be at least 21 years old upon taking office
• Council candidates must reside in the ward they represent

Filing will take place at the City Clerk’s Office (located at City Hall, 201 4 Street SE – Door D), between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. There is a $50 fee for filing the application.

Additional information about the Candidate Information Sessions, required forms and filing details are available on the Running for Office webpage.