Mayoral Candidate Forums

Mayoral Candidate Forums take place in September at Bloomington Civic Plaza in Council Chambers. A LWV-trained moderator conducts the Forum in front of a live audience.

Questions for candidates are submitted by the live audience. Questions can also be submitted in advance from Bloomington residents. Email questions to lwvbloomington@lwvmn.org. Candidates have 2 minutes to make an opening statement, 1 ½ minutes to answer each question and 1 minute for a closing statement. Forums are recorded and broadcast on Bloomington TV and posted on the City of Bloomington’s website.

The mayor of Bloomington serves for four years. When there are 3 or more candidates running for the same seat, Bloomington uses ranked choice voting in Mayoral races. The mayoral elections take place in odd numbered years and due to RCV, there are no primary elections.

Adopted in 1960, the City Charter provides for a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council, which includes an elected mayor and six other elected Councilmembers, exercises the legislative power of the City of Bloomington and determines all City policies.

The City Council appoints a professional City manager, who is responsible to the Council for the administration of all City business. The Council also appoints people to various advisory boards and commissions.