City of Northern Incorporation Election Process and Key Dates

Residents interested in running for Mayor or City Council may file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the Northern Township Clerk during the official filing period.

Make sure you meet the qualifications before filing for office. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website to find out more about becoming a candidate.

Candidate Filing Opens: July 14, 2026

Candidate Filing Closes: July 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Offices to be Elected:

All Mayor and City Council positions are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than separate wards or districts.

Mayor (1 seat)

• Term ends: January 3, 2028.

City Council (4 at-large seats)

• Two seats will serve terms ending January 3, 2028
• Two seats will serve terms ending January 7, 2030.

Filing Location:
Northern Town Hall
445 Town Hall Road NW
Northern Township, MN

Required Form:
Affidavit of Candidacy

Election judges will be appointed and trained in the same manner used for previous State General Elections.

After the initial terms begin to expire, future municipal elections will be held during the November general election in even-numbered years.

The first regular municipal election after incorporation will be held on November 7, 2028.

After the initial transition period:

• The Mayor will serve a two-year term.
• City Council Members will serve four-year terms.

Municipal elections will continue to be conducted during the November general election in even-numbered years, consistent with Minnesota law and the incorporation order.