U.S. Senator (MN-Sr.)

Description

Each of the 50 United States is represented by two United States Senators, and the 100 senators serve in the United States Senate, which along with the United States Congress comprise the entire federal legislative branch of U.S. Government. U.S. Senators are responsible for drafting and voting on federal laws for the United States. The work of preparing and considering legislation is done by standing committees, and in addition there are special committees as well as joint committees (committees with U.S. Representatives and Senators). The U.S. Senate has special duties including the responsibility to confirm major presidential appointments, including Supreme Court Justices. All U.S. treaties with other countries must be approved by a 2/3rds vote in the Senate, and U.S. Senators vote upon impeachment of elected officials, with a 2/3rds vote for impeachment resulting in the removal of office. Congressional bills, after having been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, must be signed by the president of the United States within 10 days of their submission, or they become law automatically, unless Congress is not in session. If vetoed by the president, a bill may become law only by its repassage by a two-thirds majority in each house. The Constitution requires a regular annual meeting of Congress, which begins on Jan. 3 each year. The proceedings of Congress are recorded in the Congressional Record, and U.S. Senators have offices in Washington D.C. and often in several locations in their home states to address concerns of the citizens they represent. The yearly salary for a United States Senator is $174,000.

Application Guidelines

1) Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office to assist you in the filing process. Check that your registered address qualifies you for the position you intend to run for, and that you meet other office specific qualifications. 2) Complete nominating petitions if you are running as a minor party candidate or an independent candidate along with the other required documents and then submit these items to the appropriate filing officer. The filing officer is who the candidate files their affidavit of candidacy and petitions with. Federal candidates file with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. State candidates can file with either the Minnesota Secretary of State or with the auditor of their county of residence. County office candidates file with the county and municipal office candidates file with their local office. If you are running as a major party candidate or for a nonpartisan office you are not required to submit a nominating petition. All candidates must pay a filing fee or submit a nomination petition in lieu of a filing fee. Note: a nominating petition differs from a nomination petition. The nominating petition is required for minor party or independent party candidates to become eligible for placement on the ballot. A Petition in Place of Filing Fee is an optional document that can be used in lieu of paying a filing fee and is an available option to all candidates. Candidates filing by petition should closely review state requirements. 3) Submit the nominating petitions, filing fee (or A Petition in Place of Filing Fee) and other required documents to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office during the filing window. If the position in which you are running for has a possible primary, submit the documents between 84 and 70 days before the primary. The Minnesota primary election is held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August. If the position does not have a primary election, submit the documents between 98 days and 84 days before the general election. If you have any questions please contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office by phone at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683).

Submit application to:
Minnesota Secretary of State Elections Division, 180 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN, 55155, US