Advice For Running in a Political Election
If you’re running a campaign as a candidate in a political election, there’s a philosophical reason why you should really begin by looking up the qualifications and duties of the office you’re seeking. If you do win you election, you are going to have to look things up in the code on a regular basis because your office and duties are regulated by law.
You should begin by learning your way around the state code or city charter. You should want to win your election, but you should also want to be good at the job you’re running for. A good official always follows the law, and always checks the code first to see what the law is.
If looking things up in the code or charter seems too intimidation, ask someone in the party or an old hand if they know a friendly lawyer. Lots of lawyers are politically active and would be happy to share their election knowledge by giving you a copy of the relevant code sections if you’re a good candidate.
Although checking the office out in the state code for your election is not a must-do thing, we strongly recommend it. There are also other, more informal, ways to find out about the job. One of the bery best is to attend the meetings of the board or office.
If you plan on running in an election for city council or the school board, it in on the city council or school board meetings and listen to what goes on. Find out what is currently on the agenda, and what is likely to come up during the campaign.
Talk to people who have held the job. An incumbent is not likely to give you much help if you are running in an election against him, but if you know someone who has already served in that office, ask him or her about it. Talk to the employees in that office about the work they do and how it might be improved.
Talk to the people who are served by that elected office or do business with it on a regular basis. If you are running for the Housing Board, you should ask the head of the tenant’s union and the president of the landlord’s association what they expect from a member of the board after the election.
Visit Killer Campaigning to learn more about election advice.