City Elections

Election 2022 Image

Election Resources & Information


Municipal City Elections & Special Elections

Municipal City elections are held on the second Tuesday in June of even-numbered years. Special elections are held as the City Commission calls for and approves them. 

Any person who is a qualified elector and a resident of the City of Bismarck is qualified to be a member of the Board of City Commissioners and Board of Park Commissioners. Candidates are required to file a Petition/Certificate of Nomination (SFN 02704) with at least 300 signatures, and a Statement of Interests (SFN 10172). Forms are available on the ND Secretary of State’s website, or by contacting the City Administrator’s Office at 701-355-1300. 


Petitions

ND Secretary of State’s Election Candidate Electronic Signature Guidance  

Due to COVID-19 and the Center for Disease Control’s social distancing guidance, the ND Secretary of State sets forth the following guidance. The law sets the number of signatures required for a candidate’s name to appear on the ballot for a position in a political subdivision and that cannot be changed.

It is permissible for a candidate to complete a petition form and then transmit it electronically to others allowing them to print the form.  Then, for them to collect signatures (written not typed) from qualified electors (residing within the political subdivision) on the candidate’s behalf. 

When the circulator has secured signatures, they may scan the petition and return it electronically to the candidate who in turn can then transmit the petitions electronically, along with other required documents, to the filing officer for the political subdivision in which the candidate is seeking a position and placement on the ballot. 

To get on the ballot, candidates must collect 300 signatures from Bismarck residents. Election administrators suggest collecting up to 350 signatures and turning in petitions at least one day before the deadline (some signatures may be eliminated if not from valid city residents). Post office boxes are not considered a valid address. Only complete addresses are accepted.

  • A complete filing must include:
    • Petition/Certification of Nomination
    • A Statement of Interests
    • Filing Deadline is April 11, 2022 at 4 PM in the City Administration Department, 221 North 5th Street – 4th floor
  • There are several open positions for election including the position of Mayor, two City Commissioner positions, and three Park Board Commissioner positions up for election on June 14, 2022.