How to Run for a Government Office

When it comes to running for a government office, many people aren't sure where to start. We've all watched campaigns unfold in our local, state and national governments, but the mechanics that put the candidates on the ballot in the first place often remain something of a mystery.

Fortunately this mystery is easily solved by a trip to your county courthouse. All the information you need to run for a government office is available from the election board, distributed through the courthouse and can often be found online. Here's how to get started running for government office, whether you want to change the world or just your local school board.

Things You'll Need

• Forms from the election board

Instructions

1. Research the qualifications needed to run for the government office you are considering. Age, education, residency and other requirements may exist, and you will usually need to collect a certain amount of petition signatures to get on the ballot. This information is provided by your state or county's election board and can usually be accessed online or at your county courthouse.

2. Pick up the necessary forms and a schedule of when to file them from the election officials at your county courthouse.

3. Gather advisers and volunteers who will support your campaign for a government office (even if it's just a couple wise friends) and map out your strategy together. Common campaign activities include opening a bank account for campaign funds and appointing a detail-oriented campaign treasurer, building a campaign website and ordering signs, canvassing neighborhoods for petitions or with campaign literature and getting publicity from local media outlets and events.

4. File all your forms before the deadlines and try to overshoot the bare minimums for things like petition signatures. Mistakes can and do happen, and if you wait until the last minute it's harder to rectify any problems you or the election board may come across.

5. Get out there and talk with the voters. Seeing a candidate in person carries a lot more weight than seeing a name or picture plastered across a sign. Seek out opportunities to interact, whether it's speaking at a local event, striking up a conversation at your child's little league game or going door-to-door in your district.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't do everything by yourself. Delegate as much as you can to volunteers or hired helpers. Focus on presenting yourself and your issues to prospective voters.

• Remember that in an election your personal and financial life can become fodder for the press. Be prepared.