Running for any office

I thought people might like to know what all is involved when running as a candidate for a particular office, let's say for example ... a sheriff position. First, before running for such a position ... be sure that is the job you really want to get elected for.

Each state varies for certain qualifications a candidate must meet before he or she is eligible to run. In most cases, the candidate must be a certified police officer, have a high school diploma or GED, and a registered voter for one party or another.

The candidate then fills out some forms the election board requires. One or two forms must be notarized before returning documents to the election board. The candidate pays a fee for ballot entry. In most cases, the candidate can complete this procedure in about 1 1/2 to two hours. Then the candidate receives some information that is required by the ethics commission. These forms are to be read carefully and directions followed as required.

To save some time, open a business account with a bank for campaign contributions. Have a campaign manager, a chairman, a treasurer and some campaign members picked out for your campaign.
In a majority of elections, it is almost impossible to win an election without contributions. Contributions will pay for your election signs, banners, advertisements, advertising and bumper stickers. Document all actions made in your campaign. By now, you should be ready to start your campaign.

Every candidate needs to build their platform .. what are you going to do as sheriff if you are elected .. this is one thing the people are going to want to know. Keeping in mind, the sheriff [incumbant]you are running against is going to want to know what your platform is too, so that they can fix or add to their campaign ... so be careful, just show general changes you will make without being too specific.

Once people find out that you are going to run for office ... you will surely be getting phone calls from people you hadn't heard from in ages. Be careful, these people calling themselves friends may be calling to fish out information from you so that they can tell your opponent what you are doing, so my advise here is to tell no one but your selected few who are campaigning in your behalf. If the sheriff you are running against is well liked and accepted by the citizens .. and is doing a good job your chances in winning may be minimal ... but if he or she is not well liked, your chances are really good for winning. Regardless of either example, you already have a 50/50 chance in winning.

At first you will find some people who are willing to support you and then dropping out shortly afterward for whatever reasons. When this happens, stay positive ... these things will happen. By now you are a registered candidate, your name is in the paper as a running candidate. After three days, you will know if anyone else filed for the same office. Now you begin to build your strategy for winning the election.

Getting your name and what you stand for out to the general public. Easy, right? This can be difficult if you don't have the contributions to advertise throughout the County. People voting, are going to vote the same way they have in previous elections .. by a straight party ticket, or some will vote for the new candidate just because they want a change, and the others will vote just to be voting. The incumbant you are running against already has their signs out and usually has campaign money left in their account from previous elections. So, you can figure they aren't having the problems you are starting out with. Now you begin to prepare for news media and reporters who may want to write an article on you and your campaign, so be prepared.

In my case, little money and as a new boy in town, I really have to hustle more to win. But all in all, the real trick in winning is not the money, not because you were good at what you did, its the majority vote that makes or breaks your chances for winning. I hope this article helps someone who may seeking office elsewhere.