How to Become an Elected City Officer

You must follow a basic process to become an elected city officer.

You could become an elected official in your city simply by campaigning and garnering votes. You may not need a degree or a lot of experience, just a following of citizens who believe in you as a candidate. This will greatly depend on the city you reside in, because the requirements for some cities are stricter and more formal than others. Mayor, city attorney, city clerk, city treasurer and city comptroller are some positions to consider. Each position has different candidate requirements, but all require that you follow a similar process to get elected.

Instructions

1. Research your city's prerequisites for political candidates. Some cities require that city officers have a college degree in political science or another related field, as well as political experience. Some other cities only require a high school diploma to be a mayor, and formal training or a degree for the offices of city comptroller and city attorney. Search the Internet for your city's charter which will outline the specifics for city officers. This will help you determine if you need further education and experience.

2. Contact the State Board of Elections. This department can provide you with all the information and forms needed to become a candidate, including the initial petition that most cities require you to complete. You must obtain a certain number of signatures on this petition before you can become a candidate and begin raising campaign funds.

3. Collect the required number of signatures on your petition by developing a network of supporters. You can accomplish this by first having your family and friends sign it. Visit your neighbors and petition them for signatures. Ask the members of any groups or organizations you participate in. Get as many people as possible not only to support you but to solicit signatures on your behalf.

4. Gain support from your chosen political party. Attend party rallies. Network with other influential people within your party. Profess your desire to be an elected official and discuss your credentials and your plans for improving your city.

5. Assemble staff to help with your campaign. Use friends and family as volunteers. Hire an experienced campaign manager if possible. If you don't have enough funds to employ a professional, try approaching a recent college graduate with a political science or business degree. If you can find the right person -- someone with good people and management skills who wants a career in politics -- you may convince him to help you manage your campaign for free to gain valuable campaigning experience. If you feel you have enough marketing, business and political experience, you can manage your own campaign.

6. Start raising funds for your campaign after meeting all requirements to be added to the upcoming election ballot. Solicit financial aid from local companies and private donors. Have a fundraising party to officially celebrate your candidacy and request financial contributions. Employ friends and family to help you raise funds. Create a website where people can go to donate. Talk to as many people as possible in the community and in local government to get your fundraising efforts noticed.

7. Market your campaign to increase your popularity and entice voters. Pass out flyers pertaining to your campaign. Have posters and signs made up which include a slogan that is signature to your campaign. Stick the signs and posters up all over your city. Have your supporters help you. Invest money in commercial spots that discuss your plans for the city and how you differ from other competing candidates.

Tips & Warnings

• The more people that know you, the better your chances of being elected. To increase your visibility and gain popularity among voters you should participate in as many city events as possible. Attend city meetings and introduce yourself to the city leaders. Rally for important causes and volunteer in city organizations. Being involved and vocal about important issues that affect the city will help you gain a following of supporters who share your beliefs and values. Supporters and followers equal campaign donations and votes, which is what you will ultimately need to get elected.

References

• Local Victory: How to Get Elected Even if Nobody Knows You
• Town of Cloverland: How to Run for Local Elected Office in Wisconsin