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.
Election candidates over age 18 must have been a resident of the City of Bismarck for at least nine months prior to the election.