Running for Office. Any Advice?

I want to get invloved in politics, either on the local, state or federal level, just to get my message out.

However, I can't find anything on line anywhere about requirements for public office, age restrictions, forms needed, filing dates, contacting/being represented by a party, etc. Does anyone know of a website or book where I can get this information?

If not, who can I contact locally? My party headquarters? Board of elections? I have no idea.

Has anyone run for office before? Any tips on getting the info I need and getting started?

Any info at all would be better than what I have now. Thanks!!!

....

The rules and resources vary by state. Your state government probably has a web site.

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."

your county Courthouse. In Indiana, the Court Clerk will give you a packet of information with all the rules and dates for filing and running such as signs - where they can be placed, how large they can be. The packet will include the forms you need to fill out re: donors, expenses, etc. In short, everything you need to know to run. It is free to file in Indiana. There are several books you can buy from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble about running for local offices. First, you probably need to decide what office you want to run for and why you would make an appealing candidate for that office, who would support you. It would probably be good to begin with a smaller, local office. Those campaigns can be fairly cheap but an office such as Mayor or Sheriff can cost a great deal to run for so you need to either have independent funds or have a base of support who will provide funds. Good luck!

I mean volunteering...anyhting.

Welcome to DU!! :toast: