Run for Local Public Office as a Democrat

Video Transcript

"Okay, I'm Anne Lezak, and you ask "How do you run for local office?" I actually have a lot of experience, none running for local office myself. A lot convincing other's to run for local office. In our small Vermont towns, unfortunately, it's often true that there's select boards and school boards and all kinds of positions that actually go empty, because not enough people run. So, I actually have spent time talking to good people and getting them to step up to these positions. And, again, it's very easy. As with public office, you just have to get a petition, and it's a small number of signatures. I can't remember what it is, but you can go to your town office and pick up a petition. Get a small number of people to sign that petition, and then you are a candidate. In some cases, if there's not a candidate, you can actually be elected right from the floor at your town meeting. And if someone nominates you, and seconds it, and there's not another position, then you can become a candidate that way. It's very, very easy and very open in Vermont, and I recommend that everybody.....you might want to start by an appointed office, you know, getting on your planning committee. Or, running for Justice of the Peace. I've just talked a number of people into running for Justice of the Peace in their town, where all you have to do is go to your Democratic or Republican caucus, your committee meeting. Sign....sign on the dotted line, and you are a candidate for Justice of the Peace. In Vermont it's very easy to run for public office, and I urge folks to get out there and do it. You can really make a difference."