For anyone who thinks they’d be a good mayor, commissioner or other public official, their chance begins next week.

Filing for the general election starts Tuesday. A primary will be held on Sept. 10 for positions where three or more candidates are running, prior to the election on Nov. 5.

Residents can file for the offices between July 2 and 16. Local positions in the county, including commissioners and county sheriff, attorney, auditor and recorder, as well as city offices in towns outside Albert Lea, should be filed at the County Auditor’s Office. Positions in the City of Albert Lea, including mayor and three city council seats, are to be registered at the city clerk’s office.

State-level positions need to be filed at the state office, including for House District 27A, which covers Freeborn County and a part of Mower County as a result of a redistricting, and Senate District 27, which includes all of Freeborn and Mower counties and part of Fillmore County.

More information about the election, including polling places and voter registration, is available on the Secretary of State Web site at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/election/index.html.

Requirements to file for public office:

General:

– Must be eligible to vote in Minnesota.

– Must not have not filed for the same or any other office at the upcoming primary or general election.

– Must be at least 21 years old, or turn 21 before assuming office.

– Must have been a resident of the district for at least 30 days before the general election.

– If a major political party candidate, must have either participated in the party’s most recent precinct caucus or intend to vote for a majority of that party’s candidates at the next general election.

Other requirements:

– Senator: Must be at least 30 years old and a citizen of the United States for nine years on the first Monday of next January.

– U.S. Representative: Must be at least 25 years old and a citizen of the United States for seven years on the first Monday of next January.

– Governor or Lieutenant Governor: Must be at least 25 years old on the first Monday of next January and a resident of Minnesota for one year on election day.

– Judges and attorneys: Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota.

– State Senator or Representative: Must be a resident of Minnesota for at least one year and of this district for six months on the day of the election.

– Sheriff: Must be a licensed peace officer in Minnesota.