Reply #3: I've run for office three times in Seattle... [View All]

twice for the Seattle School Board and once for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Elections are normally largely run by counties, so you need to find your county's website and do a search for "elections." If you can't find anything, look for an e-mail address for general questions. Try the same thing on your Secretary of State's website. Also, Washington State has a Public Disclosure Commission, which monitors candidates' fund-raising activities and enforces campaign rules. I suspect there's a similar office in most states, though the names may be different.

It didn't cost me one penny to run for school board, but filing state office cost 1% of the incumbent's salary - and I wound up spending $1,200 out of my own pocket. I don't recall any other fees, aside from whatever I chose to spend on campaign materials and activities.

I think I filled out all the paperwowrk in 15-30 minutes. I was required to supply the basics (name, addres, etc.), and I think you also have to fill out some financial information - your occupation, major investments, etc. If you're going to work hard at fund-raising, you have to file documents listing your contributions and contributors on a regular basis. If you don't expect to raise much money, you can apply for a more relaxed schedule.

I have lots of additional ideas and suggestions. Feel free to contact me at GeoBearFREEDOMgeobop.com. (Replace FREEDOM with @.) Make your subject line stand out, like "Election Tips," or "Hi from Democratic Underground."