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How to Run for Public Office: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running for public office is one of the most impactful ways to shape your community, advocate for change, and serve the public. Whether you’re interested in running for a local position such as city council or a higher office like state legislature or Congress, the process can be both exhilarating and challenging. If you’re passionate about improving your community and want to make your voice heard, this guide will help you navigate the steps to launch a successful campaign.

1. Determine Your Motivation: Why Are You Running?

Before diving into the logistics of a campaign, you need to clearly define why you want to run for office. What drives you? Is it a specific issue like education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability? Understanding your motivation will help you shape your message and connect with voters.

Ask yourself:

What change do I want to see in my community?

What specific policies or issues do I feel strongly about?

How can I contribute to improving people’s lives?

Running for office isn’t just about winning; it’s about making a positive impact. Your motivation will guide you through the tough moments in your campaign and help you remain focused on your goals.

2. Choose the Right Office

The next step is determining which public office you want to run for. Start by identifying your scope of interest and the level of government you want to work in:

Local Offices: Positions like city council, school board, or mayor often provide direct influence over issues such as local infrastructure, schools, and public safety. Running for local office is a great way to begin a political career or to address specific community problems.

State Offices: State representatives and senators influence statewide issues, including education, healthcare, criminal justice, and economic policy. State office often requires a more organized and funded campaign but provides the opportunity to shape broader legislation.

Federal Offices: Running for U.S. Congress (House or Senate) allows you to engage with national issues, though federal campaigns are often highly competitive, require significant funding, and demand a sophisticated campaign structure.

Consider your skills, experience, and the areas where you feel you can make the greatest impact. Running for an office that aligns with your expertise and passion will make your campaign more authentic and convincing to voters.

3. Understand Eligibility and Legal Requirements

Before declaring your candidacy, you must ensure you meet the legal requirements for the office you’re running for. Each position has its own set of rules regarding eligibility, so research the following:

Age and Residency Requirements: Different offices require minimum age thresholds and often require you to be a resident of the district or state for a specified period.

Filing Requirements: Find out what forms and documents you need to file to declare your candidacy, including financial disclosures and petitions.

Campaign Finance Laws: Understand the laws governing campaign donations, spending limits, and reporting requirements. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees federal elections, while state and local offices have their own regulations.

It’s a good idea to consult with an election attorney or campaign advisor early in the process to ensure you’re in compliance with all legal requirements.

4. Research the Political Landscape

Before launching your campaign, conduct a thorough analysis of the political landscape in your district or area. This involves:

Assessing the Incumbent: Who currently holds the office? What are their strengths and weaknesses? If they’re well-liked, running against them will be more challenging.

Voter Demographics: Understand the demographics of your district—age, income level, education, political affiliation, and key concerns of the voters. This will help you tailor your campaign message.

Past Election Results: Look at previous election results to gauge voter turnout and identify potential swing districts or key areas where your support may be strongest.

5. Develop Your Campaign Platform

Your platform is the heart of your campaign. It should clearly articulate the issues you care about and the solutions you propose. Here’s how to develop a strong platform:

Identify Key Issues: Focus on a few core issues that are important to voters in your district. Whether it’s healthcare, education, infrastructure, or job creation, make sure these issues resonate with your audience.

Be Specific: General statements like “I want to improve healthcare” aren’t enough. Provide specific policy proposals. For example, “I will work to expand Medicaid in our state to ensure low-income families have access to healthcare.”

Show Your Values: Voters respond to candidates who share their values. Whether it’s a commitment to public service, environmental sustainability, or fiscal responsibility, make sure your platform reflects your personal and political values.

Your platform should be easy to understand and address the most pressing concerns of the electorate. It will be the foundation for all your campaign materials, speeches, and debates.

6. Build a Campaign Team

A successful campaign requires a strong team of dedicated individuals. Even in local races, it’s essential to surround yourself with people who can handle different aspects of the campaign, including:

Campaign Manager: Your campaign manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of your campaign, coordinate volunteers, and handle logistics.

Finance Director: Fundraising is critical to any campaign. A finance director will develop a fundraising strategy, help you meet donation goals, and ensure compliance with campaign finance laws.

Communications Director: This person will be responsible for media outreach, press releases, speeches, and social media strategy.

Field Director: Your field director organizes volunteers, voter outreach, canvassing, phone banks, and voter mobilization efforts.

You may also need a legal advisor, digital strategist, and policy advisors depending on the size and scope of your campaign.

7. Create a Fundraising Plan

Campaigns require money for advertising, events, staff, and outreach materials. Creating a robust fundraising strategy is key to staying competitive.

Set a Budget: Estimate how much you’ll need to cover campaign expenses like marketing, travel, and staffing. Campaign costs vary depending on the level of office and the competitiveness of the race.

Solicit Donations: Reach out to friends, family, and community members for early donations. Use crowdfunding platforms, hold fundraising events, and seek donations from political action committees (PACs) and organizations that align with your values.

Comply with Campaign Finance Laws: Ensure all donations and expenses are reported accurately. Be transparent with your donors and the public about how funds are being used.

8. Engage with Voters

Connecting with voters is the most important part of running a campaign. To win, you need to build relationships and earn the trust of the people. Here’s how to engage effectively:

Door-to-Door Canvassing: One of the most effective ways to meet voters is through face-to-face interaction. Knock on doors, introduce yourself, and share your platform. Listen to their concerns and adjust your message to reflect voter priorities.

Town Halls and Community Events: Attend local meetings, host town halls, and participate in public forums. Being visible and accessible to your community is essential.

Social Media and Digital Outreach: Use social media platforms to share your message, engage with voters, and respond to current events. A strong online presence can help you reach younger voters and mobilize supporters.

Phone and Text Banking: Use volunteers to make calls or send texts encouraging voters to learn more about your campaign and to turn out on Election Day.

9. Prepare for Public Speaking and Debates

You’ll likely have opportunities to participate in debates, interviews, and public forums. Being a confident and clear communicator is crucial. Here’s how to prepare:

Know Your Platform Inside and Out: Be ready to explain your policies clearly and concisely. Practice answering questions about your positions.

Handle Criticism: Opponents may challenge your record or positions. Remain calm and composed, and focus on articulating your message rather than getting defensive.

Engage in Active Listening: Show respect for your opponents and the audience. Listening carefully to questions and responding thoughtfully will help you connect with voters.

10. Get Out the Vote (GOTV)

As Election Day approaches, your focus should be on Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts. Mobilizing your supporters is key to securing a win. Here’s how:

Phone Calls and Text Messages: Remind your supporters to vote on Election Day. Provide them with information on polling locations and voting hours.

Volunteer Canvassing: Organize volunteers to knock on doors and encourage people to head to the polls.

Social Media Push: Use your social media channels to remind followers about Election Day, share polling locations, and emphasize the importance of voting.

Conclusion

Running for public office is an exciting opportunity to serve your community, advocate for the issues you care about, and shape the future. While it requires hard work, careful planning, and dedication, the experience is deeply rewarding. By focusing on your motivation, building a strong platform, engaging with voters, and mobilizing support, you can run a successful campaign and make a lasting impact.

Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program

Did you know that less than 7% of the full-time federal workforce is under 30? The government is looking to change that. They’re prioritizing paid internships that last 10-12 weeks. These internships are a great way to gain work experience, expand your professional network, and understand the impact of public service.

The program is managed by the Partnership for Public Service and it’s a fantastic opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world situations. It’s also a chance to bring diverse young talent into the government. So, whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, or professional student, and no matter what your major is, you’re welcome to apply.

You can choose two career tracks that best align with your interests and skills:

  • Public Administration
  • Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
  • Government Contracting and Acquisition
  • Liberal Arts
  • Public Interest Technology

For more information, visit gogovernment.org/fellowship/future-leaders-in-public-service-internship-program/

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

The Colin Powell Leadership Program

In late 2022, the U.S. State Department launched the Colin Powell Leadership Program “to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society and in support of the department’s modernization agenda.”  The program provides opportunities to pursue careers at the Department of State.

Named after the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State, this program provides paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.  Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the State Department and will develop future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience.

To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program.  A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required.  The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.

Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0.  The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.

 Visit https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/civil-service-fellowships/colin-powell-leadership-program/ for more information and to apply during the next open application period.

Put your language skills to use for the NSA!

If you want to put your language skills to use and serve your country, perhaps the National Security Agency (NSA) is for you!  The NSA works closely with the rest of the Intelligence Community to protect the United States from foreign threats and adversaries. NSA has both offensive and defensive missions. The offense collects, analyzes, and reports intelligence information derived from foreign signals to assist United States policymakers and military commanders in making well-informed decisions that protect U.S. security. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive or classified national security information. The NSA also protects and defends U.S. government IT systems against cyber threats.

Foreign language proficiency is vital to NSA’s mission.  NSA language analysts are at the front line of national defense. They analyze foreign communications to uncover potential threats. They are the first to determine the relevance of collected intelligence, and they put the intelligence into context for our nation’s leaders.

There are a few different opportunities for Lawrence students and new graduates to get experience with the NSA. 

In the NSA Summer Language Program Internship, you will spend 12 weeks working as a language analyst at NSA.  Proficiency in Chinese, Russian, and Farsi, are in high demand, but other languages will be considered.  The application period is usually from September 1 through October 31 each year. 

In the NSA Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op) for Language, students will alternate semesters between college and working at NSA as a language analyst.  Students can apply for the Co-Op Program starting halfway through their year or during their sophomore year.  Application period is open from September 1 to October 31 and from February 1 to March 31 each year and is for Chinese and Russian students.  

Finally, the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) is a full-time development program for new-hires and involves rotational tours in a variety of offices, coursework to build foundational knowledge, and quality mentoring. The Language Development Program builds linguistic knowledge for entry-level language analysts and train them in analytic skills and the latest technologies available to the Intelligence Community. Participants will work on a wide range of subjects and learn techniques used to evaluate foreign communications. Combined with geopolitical and cultural expertise, they will use these skills to understand both overtly stated meaning and subtly implied intent as they translate and transcribe foreign communications and report critical information to U.S. government customers.  The LADP application is posted every other month.  It is recommended that students apply 9-12 months prior to graduation.  

For more information on these programs and to apply, visit https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/nsa

The US Government Accountability Office

The federal government is full agencies that go by well-known acronyms, like the FBI, CIA and DOD.  However, have you heard of the GOA?  GOA stands for the Government Accountability Office.  While not a sexy name, the GAO is an important part of the federal government.  As part of the legislative branch, the “GAO provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars.”  Their work is done at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees or is required by public law.  The Government Accountability Office is commonly known as the “congressional watchdog”.  When significant amounts of taxpayer money are found to be wasted or inappropriately spent, often the GAO is the first agency to notice.

For students looking for government internships, the GAO should be considered.  For the last two years, the GAO has ranked number one in the Partnership for Public Service’s Best Places to Work rankings among mid-size federal agencies.

In addition to internships, the GAO offers a Professional Development Program for recent graduates that focuses on developing entry-level staff knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet GAO’s mission through work experiences, training, and ongoing coaching and feedback throughout a two-year program. Staff are generally rotated among GAO’s mission teams or placed in staff offices. 

David Trimble from the Lawrence class of 1982 (Philosophy) currently works at the GAO and says working for the GAO is “in many ways it is the perfect fit for anyone that appreciates a liberal arts education.”

For more information, click here for details on GAO internships and here for more about the GAO Professional Development Program.

Virtual Student Federal Service Internship

by Jonathan Hogan

Among the internships offered by the Department of State, the most accessible in terms of acceptance rate while also granting interns valuable insight into a career in the State Department is The Virtual Student Federal Service internship.

The Virtual Student Federal Service Program is best summed up in an advertisement posted by the federal government. It states: “1: State & other U.S. agencies post unclassified projects that might leverage talent. 2: U.S. college, masters, Ph.D. & post-doc students apply to three projects. 3: … and that’s it! Selected interns work virtually for agencies Sept-May.” To apply, interns (which must be U.S. citizens) simply go through the U.S. federal jobs platform USAJOBS, and, after creating an account, submit a “resume, transcript & short responses” (“How It Works”). To make things even easier, the Career Center has already released an article on how to create a USAJOBS account—just click this link. Here, It is worth noting that federal agencies other than the Department of State participate in the program, however, it seems that the Department of State is particularly active in the program.

If the Virtual Student Federal Service Internship has piqued your interest, you might be wondering what the experience is actually like. In general, interns work between September and May for roughly 10 hours a week. Furthermore, interns can work anywhere in the world. The internship is not paid, however, many interns receive credit for their work—something which feels particularly likely at Lawrence. It is difficult to discuss specifics, as the program is based around a nearly unending array of projects posted by the State Department; however, at the moment of writing, one project is already posted to the website which would see students work as research assistants on the Afghanistan Lessons Learned Project to examine “the goals, policies, strategies, and programs implemented” during U.S. involvement in Afghanistan (Virtual Student Federal Service). Given that the application deadline for this coming year is in July, more programs are likely to be posted shortly. If you determine that the Virtual Student Federal Service Internship is right for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with our government advisor, Ty Collins, for help with the application process here.

Jonathan is a Third Year German and Government major. He works as a Peer Educator to assist students in the CJW and GLI career communities. In addition to professional development, Jonathan is interested in the cultural construction of the modern nation-state, normative constraints on rational behavior, and all things German. You can schedule an appointment with him here to improve your resume, learn more about the CJW and GLI career opportunities, and work on anything else professional development-related.

Works Cited

“How It Works.” U.S. Department of State, https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/virtual-student-federal-service/how-it-works/. Accessed 3 May 2022.

Virtual Student Federal Service. https://vsfs.state.gov/projects. Accessed 3 May 2022.