Begin Your Campaign

Readiness self-check

Ten honest questions. Your answers stay in your browser, and you'll get a to-do list linked to the guides that cover each gap.

1. I know what the office does day to day, how often it meets and how decisions get made.
2. I've confirmed I meet the age, residency and voter-registration requirements for this seat.
3. I know when the filing period opens and closes, where to file and what it costs.
4. I've talked with my family and my employer about the time a campaign and the office will take.
5. I know whether I need a campaign committee, a treasurer and a separate bank account.
6. I have a rough budget and an idea where my first dollars will come from.
7. I know which campaign finance reports I'll file and when they're due.
8. I have a domain name or a plan for a campaign website.
9. At least three people have agreed to help, such as a treasurer, a volunteer lead and a door-knocking partner.
10. I can explain in two sentences why I'm running and what I'd work on first.

Common questions

What score means I'm ready?

There's no passing grade. The check shows what you've already covered and what's left. Plenty of strong candidates start with most answers at 'not yet'.

Are my answers saved or sent anywhere?

No. The check runs entirely in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.