Begin Your Campaign

Start here

You don't need a campaign manager or a big budget to run a credible local race. You need to understand the job, follow the rules, and stay organized. Here's the path.

Most people who run for local office have never done it before. They're teachers, nurses, veterans, small-business owners, pastors and retirees who got tired of watching a decision go the wrong way at a public meeting. If that's you, you're in good company.

This guide breaks the beginning of a campaign into six steps. They roughly follow the order you'll meet them, but they overlap. You'll be building your budget while you collect petition signatures, and setting up your website while you map your calendar.

The six steps

  1. A person writing in a notebook beside books titled Ideas, People, Community and Action
    Step 1 · 6 guidesUnderstand the opportunityLearn about local offices and what the job really involves.
  2. A blank checklist on a clipboard with a pen, beside a laptop
    Step 2 · 6 guidesCheck eligibility and requirementsConfirm you qualify and learn the filing steps.
  3. A calculator and budget charts on a desk
    Step 3 · 5 guidesPlan your budgetUnderstand campaign costs and recordkeeping basics.
  4. A laptop on a desk showing a photo of a capitol building
    Step 4 · 4 guidesBuild your public presenceCreate a professional campaign website and public information hub.
  5. A printed election calendar with a pen and an American flag
    Step 5 · 4 guidesStay on scheduleTrack key election dates and compliance deadlines.
  6. A candidate talking with neighbors outdoors
    Step 6 · 5 guidesConnect with your communityBuild support, recruit help and share your message.
  7. A spiral notebook with an empty checklist and a pen
    Free toolGet organizedUse checklists and planning tools for your campaign.
  8. A state capitol and city skyline at sunset
    Free downloadTake the first stepYour campaign starts with a plan. Get the printable starter kit.

Not sure where you stand?

The readiness self-check asks 10 quick questions and tells you which steps to focus on first. Then build your dates with the election calendar builder so no deadline sneaks up on you.

Take the self-check Begin step 1