Independence Minnesota

Become a candidate

Endorsement Process & Criteria

Earning and retaining IP endorsement for a public office is a three-step process. First, the candidate campaigns to win the confidence of those who will vote on endorsement. Second, the candidate must be certified by the endorsing body as eligible to receive IP endorsement, as defined by the IP endorsement criteria (listed below). Third, if the candidate is endorsed, endorsement is retained by continuing to abide by the criteria to which he or she agreed as a condition of endorsement.

The IP is unique among major parties in that IP endorsement remains in effect through the elections and beyond if the endorsed candidate is elected to public office. IP endorsement may be revoked by due process if a candidate or elected official does not abide by the criteria to which he or she agreed. Endorsement revocations are announced to the press and public. To date, no revocations have occurred because no IP-endorsed candidate has failed to abide by the agreed criteria.

To be eligible for IP endorsement, a candidate must:

• Demonstrate competency for public service.
• Read, support and defend the United States and Minnesota constitutions as the foundation of governance by law.
• Abide by the IP principles.
• If elected, work to enact the IP platform planks with which the candidate agrees.
• Publicly state the differences the candidate has with the IP platform.
• Conduct issue-oriented campaigns and political dialogue with civility and decorum.

If you are interested in becoming a candidate please review our endorsement packet.