How to Run for Public Office

Public office is open to every registered voter in the country. There are certain restrictions on some offices though. For example, to become a U.S. Senator you have to be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for the past 9 years and must be a resident of the state being represented.

This article is meant to provide a high-level overview and provide you with information on where to find more specific detailed information on various aspects of running for public office. If you are just considering running for office, this should provide you with enough information to make a decision on whether you want to run or not.

How to begin:

1. Choose an office.

There are several elected positions ranging from the City and County level to the Federal level. If you have no political experience, it might be best to start at the City or County or State level. Examples of County offices include County Council or Prosecutor, County Controller, County Coroner, County Sheriff, County Clerk of Courts, County Surveyor, County Treasurer, County Assessor and County Commissioners.

Search online for your local county elected offices.

In addition, there are cities, townships and villages in your community that have elected positions. For example, Liberty Township in Delaware County Ohio has elected Township Trustees and a Fiscal Officer. If you reside in this county, YOU can campaign for one of these positions.

2. Know the responsibilities of the office you select.If you have selected to run for County Commissioner, you should know some of the duties performed by the Commissioners. Consult your local county website or office for further information. Examples of the duties performed by the County Commissioners in Adams County Colorado are: contract ambulance service, oversee and manage county budget, construct or repair roads. See Adams County website for further information (http://webapps.co.adams.co.us/elected_officials/board_commissioners/index.html)

3. Decide on "how to run".Anyone running for public office may either run in the primary for a party nomination, independently petition to add your name to the November ballot or write-in candidacy in either the primary or the November election.

If you feel you cannot gain party support in the primary, you may enter the November election as an Independent. You must withdraw from your current political party 30 days in advance and remain un-affiliated until after the November election to run as an Independent. And you must get a higher number of required signatures on your petition in order for your name to appear on the November ballot.

A write-in candidacy is where your name does not appear on the ballot. Voters need to press the write-in button and write your name in or select your name for the office. You must have at least the same number of votes as you would have needed signatures on your petition for office.

Again, verify these rules with your local Election Board.

4. How to get on the ballot.You will need to file a Nomination Petition with the required number of signatures, in ink, for the office you desire. You might also have to file a Financial Statement, depending on what office you are seeking. The petition should include: your name, residence, occupation, political party, date of election, office sought and election district. Signors must be registered voters and must sign their name, residence and date of signature.

Contact your County Board of Elections for the necessary paperwork

5. Understand how to finance your campaign.

There are strict rules outlining how to manage campaign finances; from raising the money to how the money is spent. Consult your state's Election Code and/or State Constitution under Campaign and Political Finance and/or Election Board for the details of managing campaign funds.

6. How to make the public aware of your candidacy.

Voter registration: get people registered to vote and/or have people switch their party denomination to your party.

Advertising: Any advertisement or literature should clearly state that it was endorsed by you or state the name of the person or organization that did pay for and endorse the advertisement.

Campaign Manager or Committee: You may also want to hire a campaign manager. There are campaign consultants that you can hire to conduct your campaign. You might also form a campaign committee. There are guidelines to be adhered to regarding finances in doing so.

You might also want to consult with an attorney on certain campaign documents.

Campaigning for public office is no easy task. There are strict guidelines that must be followed. There really is no risk involved besides putting yourself out there for what you believe in. You could and will be criticized and scrutinized by everyone who opposes you.

However, the reward of knowing that you are doing what's right and doing what you believe in cannot be measured.

Whether you decide to run of public office or not, you do need to register to vote. And then show up at the polls on Election Day to cast your vote. Even though there have been some "issues", to say the least, with how the votes have been counted in the past, we still need to TRY to do our part in getting our votes cast.

It's important to show up to vote for all elections too...not just the Presidential elections. Sometimes these elected officials in these other elections have more power over our daily lives than the President. So, know who you're voting for when you cast your vote.

And if you decide to run for office, remember to do your research and good luck.