Morgan
How does one run for public office?
I'm interested in running for public office someday, and I'm just curious about the logistics behind it. To be a local state representative, is there paperwork that needs to be done? How do you get backed by a political party? How do you announce that you're running? #politics #legislation #Iowa #candidate
4 answers
David E. Byrd
David E.’s Answer
Each jurisdiction will have different requirements to have your name on the official ballot. You'll either have to simply register at the Board of Elections or via their website, prove you live within the area you wish to represents; and, in some cases, gather a minimum number of signatures from registered voters in order to qualify to have your name on the ballot. There typically is a minimal fee involved with registering. You'll also have to form a recognized committee which will allow you to raise and spend dollars. Again, each jurisdiction is different, but your local Board of Elections can tell you exactly what's required to form a campaign committee in your area. For more practical advice on the exact steps to take before running for office, please read this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/so-you-want-run-office-david-e-byrd/
Briayna Cuffie
Briayna’s Answer
There is A LOT involved in filing to be a political candidate. You'll want to make sure you qualify for what you want to run for, paperwork wise (district, etc.).
1) There is a lot of tedious paperwork, no matter the level you're filing for.
2) You'll want to have cash on hand and other (people) resources when you get started (filing fees, etc.)
3) You have to think long-term. The people you talk to will want to know that you aren't just popping up out of nowhere.
If you're looking to be in the state legislature, start paying attention to your state's legislative session (when they're in session, how it runs, who the key players are, etc.), and see if any of the legislators (especially your own!) offer internships.
Hi Briayna, I think your suggestion of looking into legislative internships is a great one!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Kaitlyn Beck
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Legal Setup
1: File to run for office (paying any necessary fees) / File financial disclosure information with the state
2: Using those documents you can then get an EIN from the IRS
3: Using this information you can go get a campaign bank account
4: After collecting all the documents from above you can now start looking into online fundraising tools
5: Create accounts with the state for financial disclosure and ensure timely filing of all new reports moving forward (the state often will offer training on these systems)
After these steps are completed you are legally and officially, in the eyes of the law, running for office.
Things like announcing are pretty simple but if you're a first time or young candidate don't expect to get a ton of attention. Over time you would want to collect the emails of as many local political reporters for as many local media companies as possible. I would then blast email important campaign updates to these individuals directly. Using social media or a rally are always good options as well, but always followup to the press with an email.
Gaining support from the party is harder. This is where it comes down to who you are personally and how you interact with people. The basic advice is that you should start campaigning four years before your election day. This means attending local party events and meetings, attending events for issue campaigns you support and do try to speak at these events, and speaking to local neighborhood associations. Also, this means aggressively understanding not only your goals but also the goals of everyone else around you and finding new ways to communicate your ideas in ways that demonstrate how your ideas support other's goals.
Having met many politicians in my time, I can confirm the hardest issue you will run into is fundraising. Asking for money is awkward and no one likes it. Likely, it is one of the most common complaints shared between new politicians. You just have to find your own way of getting over that anxiety and easing the tension during those conversations.
Victor Shi
Victor’s Answer
Victor recommends the following next steps: