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Operations checklist

Campaign operations checklist

37 tasks in the order most local campaigns meet them. Check them off as you go; your progress saves in this browser.

Decide

Read up on the office and attend at least one public meeting Guide
Talk it over with family and your employer Guide
Check the Hatch Act or employer rules if you work in government Guide
Write two sentences on why you're running
Take the readiness self-check Guide

Qualify and file

Confirm age, residency and registration requirements Guide
Get the candidate packet from your election office Guide
Find out the filing fee or petition requirement Guide
Form your committee and name a treasurer Guide
Get an EIN if your bank or state requires it Guide
Open a separate campaign bank account Guide
Complete ethics or financial disclosure forms Guide
File your candidacy before the deadline Guide

Money and records

Build a line-item budget Guide
Set up a recordkeeping system on day one Guide
Learn your contribution limits and reporting rules Guide
Make a list of your first 50 potential donors Guide
Set up an online donation page Guide

Public presence

Register your campaign domain Guide
Get good photos taken
Launch your website with bio, issues, events and donate Guide
Add the paid-for-by disclaimer to everything Guide
Set up a campaign social media page and email list Guide

Calendar and compliance

Put every election and report date on one calendar Guide
Set reminders a week before each report is due Guide
Work through the first 30 days after filing Guide

Community

Recruit a treasurer, volunteer lead and helpers Guide
Get your voter list Guide
Plan your door-knocking routes Guide
Order yard signs and palm cards Guide
Hold a kickoff event
Collect endorsements from people voters trust
Make an Election Day plan for volunteers and poll greeters

After Election Day

Thank voters and volunteers
File your final reports Guide
Pick up yard signs
Close or keep your committee under your state's rules Guide

Prefer paper? The same checklist is in the printable starter kit.

Begin Your Campaign

A free, nonpartisan handbook for people thinking about running for local office. Plain answers about the job, the paperwork, the money and the calendar.

Start with step 1

The six steps

1. Understand the opportunity
2. Check eligibility and requirements
3. Plan your budget
4. Build your public presence
5. Stay on schedule
6. Connect with your community

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Election calendar builder
Operations checklist
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Begin Your Campaign is nonpartisan. We don't endorse candidates, parties or positions. Election law differs by state and locality, so confirm every rule with your local election office; nothing here is legal advice.

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