In many cases, the filing period for public office creates a stir.

Not so in Meeker County this year.

Just one spot on the Meeker County Board of Commissioners is up for election this fall — that of Fifth District commissioner. And as of Monday morning, only incumbent Ron Kutzke had filed for the seat.

Filing for federal, state and county offices began July 1 and closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Filing for office is a process that allows a candidate’s name to be placed on the ballot. While candidates for federal office must file with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, recent changes in the law allow candidates for state and judicial offices to choose whether to file with the secretary of state or with the county auditor in the county in which the candidate resides.

“Public service is an important part of our democratic process,” Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said. “I applaud all who choose to spend time and energy serving their fellow citizens in making our communities
stronger.”

Filing varies for city, school district, and other local offices. Candidates should contact their county auditor, city clerk, or school clerk for additional information and instruction.

In Litchfield, where three City Council seats will be up for election — at-large, Ward 2 and Ward 4 — filings open Aug. 26.

Requirements for filing vary depending on the office sought, whether the candidate is a member of a major political party, a minor political party, or an independent, and whether the office is partisan or nonpartisan. The secretary of state has prepared online brochures and information related to filing fees, petitions, withdrawal guidelines, and other requirements on its Web site at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=635.

“The staff in the secretary of state’s elections division is prepared to assist candidates with filing,” said director of elections Gary Poser. “Candidates should feel welcome to contact us with their questions.”

A listing of candidates is available to the public via the secretary of state’s Web site at http://www.sos.state.mn.us.

As of Monday morning, the following local people had filed for office: Steven Drange of Litchfield for judge in the 8th District Court 2; Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, for state representative in District 18B; Thomas Burr of Paynesville for soil and water supervisor District 1; Robert Schiefelbein of Kimball for soil and water supervisor District 2; and Fred Behnke of Grove City for soil and water conservation District 4.