How to Run for Local Office: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Candidates

Most people who end up winning local office didn't start out as politicians. They're parents, business owners, teachers and neighbors who got tired of waiting for someone else to step up.

Take our sample candidate, Jordan Avery. Jordan decided to run for city council, found the filing rules on the city clerk's site, worked out a win number from the last election's results, and built a plan before telling anyone.

That order matters.

If you're thinking about running for city council, school board or county office, here's the path, one step at a time.

Step 1Decide if this is the right race

Start by looking hard at the office itself. What does the job actually involve, and how much time does it take?

Then look at the campaign. Can you commit for the whole thing, start to finish? And be honest with yourself about why you want it. That answer will carry you through the long weeks.

Step 2Learn the rules for your race

Every state and county sets its own filing deadlines, fees and signature requirements, so the rules for your race may look nothing like the rules one county over.

Your Secretary of State, county clerk or city clerk's website is the official source. Always check it there, just like Jordan did.

Step 3Find your win number

Look up how many votes the last winner got and how many people voted. That tells you roughly how many supporters you need to find.

Once you have that number, the campaign stops being a vague idea and becomes a goal you can work toward.

Step 4Build your plan and budget

Write down your timeline, what you'll spend money on, and where that money will come from. It doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to exist before you start.

Step 5Set up your campaign finance paperwork

Many states require you to appoint a treasurer and file with the state or county before you raise or spend anything.

Check the rules for your race before the first dollar comes in.

Step 6Get on the ballot

File your paperwork, collect signatures if your race requires them, and pay any fee.

Do it early. Leaving it to the last minute is a risk you don't need to take.

Step 7Raise money

Start with people who already know you. Most first campaigns are funded by friends, family and neighbors.

Step 8Recruit volunteers

You can't do this alone, and you don't have to. A handful of committed people can knock more doors than you ever could alone.

Step 9Talk to voters

Door knocking is still one of the most effective things a local candidate can do. A real conversation on someone's front step is hard to beat.

Step 10Get out the vote

In the final weeks, everything comes back to the supporters you found along the way. Make sure every one of them actually votes.