Civic Ladder · Getting involved
Running for local office
School board, city council and other local seats are open to residents who qualify. Here are the general steps to get on the ballot.
The basics
- Local offices include school board, city or town council, mayor and county posts. Each has its own rules, set by state law and sometimes a city charter.
- Many local races, including most school board races, are nonpartisan. That means no party label appears next to candidates' names on the ballot.
- Common requirements include U.S. citizenship, a minimum age, living in the district for a set time and being registered to vote there. Your local election office can confirm the exact rules.
- To get on the ballot, you file paperwork by a deadline. Depending on the place, you may pay a filing fee, collect signatures from registered voters on a petition, or both.
- Campaign finance rules come from your state. Some states require a campaign committee before you raise or spend money, plus reports on donations and spending. Some exempt very small local races.
Why it matters to you
Local officials decide things like school policies, roads, parks and property taxes. Knowing the steps makes it easier for any qualified resident to take part.
Myth vs. fact
MythYou have to belong to a political party to run.
FactMany local races are nonpartisan, and most states give independent candidates a way onto the ballot, often by petition. Check your local rules.
MythFiling rules are the same everywhere.
FactDeadlines, fees, signature counts and forms differ by state and by office. Your local election office has the details.
What you can do
- Contact your local election office, often the county or city clerk, to ask which seats are up, what the requirements are and when the filing deadline is.
- Attend a few school board or council meetings to learn how the body works and what issues it handles.
- Ask your state's campaign finance office what you must file before raising or spending money, and file your ballot papers early so you have time to fix mistakes.
Sources
- https://ballotpedia.org/Nonpartisan_election
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/how-to-run-for-the-state-legislature
- https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/qualifications.shtml
- https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/getting-on-the-ballot/how-to-run-for-office.htm
- https://ncsbe.gov/node/12
General information, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state; check your official sources.