Question 1

Does running for office take a lot of time?

RFOadmin · Accepted Answer

The decision to run for office should not be taken lightly, it is a big commitment that will take up most of your time, energy and resources.

Understand that you are going to be spending a lot of time on the campaign trail. It will include evenings and weekends. It is not something that you can just do in your spare time.

The amount of time you will need to dedicate will vary depending on the position sought. The time and effort required for a local town council will be less than running for a state representative or congressional position.

Speak to those who have run before and who have been involved in political campaigns. They can offer insight into the level of commitment required to run and win a specific position. Your local political party can also offer advice and information.

Question 2

Do I need a bank account for my political campaign?

RFOadmin · Accepted Answer

Establishing a bank account is your first step for launching a political campaign. A bank account allows you to accept donations and make campaign purchases more efficiently.

Open your political campaign checking account early. Campaign finance laws in many states require that a campaign bank account be established in order to legally deposit political donations.

Prior to opening an account, you may need to establish a political campaign committee with your local county Board of Elections. The name of your campaign committee will be the same name you will use to open the bank account.

Paperwork will be required. The bank will require committee information along with personal identification.

Open an interest-free checking account rather than an interest-bearing savings account. Considering how little banks pay in interest, the small amount of money to be gained is hardly worth the additional effort required by your committee treasurer to report.

Keep detailed records of every account transaction for financial filing requirements. These records should be held indefinitely in case questions later arise as to your campaign finances.

These guidelines also apply for a political party and political action committee (PAC) bank accounts. Whatever you do, do not co-mingle money between any personal and campaign accounts. If you can, hire an accountant.

Question 3

Where can I find requirements about specific elected positions?

RFOadmin · Accepted Answer

All public offices have basic requirements, often written in code or statutes on a state or local level. These requirements include who is eligible to hold the office, the length of the term, scheduled responsibilities, salary and benefits, etc.

You can learn more about these requirements by visiting your Secretary of State or county election website. You can also reach out to your local state or county political party for information.

There are organizations that assist individuals who want to run for local, state, or federal elections. Some provide in-person training and others provide online courses and information.

Find My State or Local Election Office Website [usa.gov]

Preparing to Run

Does running for office take a lot of time?

Where can I find requirements about specific elected positions?

Raising Money

Do I need a bank account for my political campaign?