First 30 days after filing for local office: a checklist

Filing is a real milestone. It's also the moment the campaign becomes public. Your name appears on a list, local reporters may notice, and some neighbors will ask, "So what are you running on?"

The first month after filing is when you lay the foundation. Get compliance right, set up your money, build your calendar and start talking to voters. Here's a simple plan, broken into four weeks. If your filing period ran close to the election, squeeze it into less time, but keep the order.

Week one: lock down compliance

Start with the paperwork, because some of it must be done before money moves. In Texas, for example, the Texas Ethics Commission says a candidate must file a campaign treasurer appointment before accepting any contribution or making any campaign expenditure. Other states have similar rules with different names.

Confirm you've filed every form the election office and ethics agency require for your race.
Name your treasurer, if your state requires one, and file the appointment.
Ask whether you owe a financial disclosure or economic interest form, and when.
Find out what starts your first finance report. In South Carolina, the State Ethics Commission says an initial report is due once you raise or spend a total of $500, counting loans and your own money.
Download your state's candidate guide and keep it somewhere you can find it fast.

Not sure what a committee or treasurer is? Read forming a campaign committee first.

Week one: set up the money

Keep campaign money completely separate from your personal and business money from day one.

Get an EIN if you need one. Many banks ask for an employer identification number to open a campaign account. The IRS issues EINs online for free, and says you never have to pay a fee for one.
Open a campaign bank account. Ask the bank about fees, online access and whether your treasurer can be a signer.
Set up your records. A simple spreadsheet works. Record every contribution and expense the day it happens. See campaign recordkeeping basics.
Draft a budget. Even a rough one helps you say no to spending you can't afford. Try the campaign budget builder.

A note on federal paperwork: the IRS lists committees of state or local candidates among the groups that don't have to file Form 8871, the notice many political organizations file. That doesn't cover every federal tax question, so ask a tax professional if your account will earn interest or other income.

Week two: build your calendar

Now that compliance is handled, put every date in one place: election dates, early voting, report deadlines, candidate forums and any local sign rules.

Enter your dates in the election calendar builder to get a dated plan with the steps that come before each deadline. Then add a reminder one week before every finance report. If you haven't pulled your dates together yet, start with how to read your local election calendar.

Week two: claim your public presence

Once you've filed, voters will start searching your name. Give them one trustworthy place to land.

Secure a simple domain with your name or your name and office.
Put up a basic site with your bio, why you're running, how to contact you and how to volunteer or give.
Claim matching social media handles, even if you don't post much yet.
Write a short bio and take a clear, friendly photo. You'll use both for months.
Learn your state's "paid for by" notice rules before anything goes public.

Our guide to your public information hub covers what to include. If you'd rather not build it yourself, CandidateLaunch builds campaign sites for local candidates.

Week three: gather a small team

You don't need a staff. You need a few dependable people. Most local campaigns run on a treasurer, one person who helps with scheduling and volunteers, and a handful of friends who will knock doors or put out signs.

Make specific asks. "Can you knock doors with me two Saturdays this month?" works better than "Let me know if you want to help." For more, see building a small campaign team.

Week four: start meeting voters

By the fourth week, you should be spending real time with voters. Get the voter list for your district from your election office, if your state makes it available to candidates, and start with the people most likely to vote in your race.

Knock doors on at least one or two days a week. See door-knocking basics.
Ask a few early supporters to host small coffees in their homes.
Attend at least one public meeting of the body you're running for. Take notes.
Start a simple email list and add every person who asks to stay in touch.

End-of-month check

At the end of 30 days, look back at this list. You should have every required form filed, a separate bank account with clean records, a written calendar with every deadline, a basic website, a small team and a growing list of voters you've met.

If something slipped, fix it now, while the campaign is still quiet. The operations checklist can help you see what's left.

Common questions

Do I need an EIN for a local campaign?

Many banks ask for one to open a campaign account, and some states expect one. The IRS issues EINs free online, so there is no reason to pay a third party for it.

Does my local campaign have to file Form 8871 with the IRS?

The IRS lists committees of state or local candidates among the groups that are not required to file Form 8871. Other federal tax rules can still apply, so ask a tax professional if your committee earns interest or other income.

Should I start knocking doors in the first month?

Yes, if you can. Getting the paperwork right comes first, but early conversations with voters teach you what people in your district care about before you print anything.

What if I filed late in the cycle and don't have 30 days?

Compress the plan. Do the compliance steps in the first few days, then put almost all of your remaining time into meeting voters.

Sources

Rules change. Always confirm with your own state and local election offices.