Taking the Next Step: Getting into Politics - a Basic Guide

[Wild Bill Klinton]

I've decided I will be running for Judge of Elections. I've also decided I will be running for Mayor. I will be running as a Republican.

[Paradigm]

Today is the first day to collect signatures on your petition! If you didn't pick up a petition on Friday, you'll have to wait a day. Your courthouse is likely closed for President's Day.

[ehidle]

I would love to serve on the government for the sole purpose of shrinking it and its involvement in everyone's lives. However, being that I don't have any money, I doubt I'd be able to mount an effective campaign against the establishment that currently runs the place.

[Paradigm]

Originally Posted by ehidle

I would love to serve on the government for the sole purpose of shrinking it and its involvement in everyone's lives. However, being that I don't have any money, I doubt I'd be able to mount an effective campaign against the establishment that currently runs the place.

Lansdale is a borough...there are nine council members divided in three wards.

http://www.lansdale.org/index.asp?Type=B_DIR&SEC={4A04AEE8-6CAD-4221-8644-12B5778DF694}

In your ward, there will be at least one of those three open. If that person is a big-government, anti-liberty type, challenge him/her! It doesn't hurt to try. I won't lie to you, though...beating established politicians can be tough. But who doesn't like a challenge?

As far as cost, you can spend up to $250 before campaign finance forms need to be filled out. You can make a crapload of flyers for under $10 on your home printer. Get out in your ward, shake some hands, hand out some flyers, and ask/answer some questions.

Go get 'em, man!

[5711-Marine]

Originally Posted by Paradigm

Lansdale is a borough...there are nine council members divided in three wards.

http://www.lansdale.org/index.asp?Type=B_DIR&SEC={4A04AEE8-6CAD-4221-8644-12B5778DF694}

In your ward, there will be at least one of those three open. If that person is a big-government, anti-liberty type, challenge him/her! It doesn't hurt to try. I won't lie to you, though...beating established politicians can be tough. But who doesn't like a challenge?

As far as cost, you can spend up to $250 before campaign finance forms need to be filled out. You can make a crapload of flyers for under $10 on your home printer. Get out in your ward, shake some hands, hand out some flyers, and ask/answer some questions.

Go get 'em, man!

+1 on the above.

Door to Door doesn't cost anything but time. Meet the electors, get to know them, and more importantly let them get to know you.

Research the number of votes cast in the last election for the office you are seeking, then target your door to door campaign accordingly.

use any associations, friends or other contacts effectively to broaden the people recommending you to the voters.

Local elections need not be about fundraising only...

[edstephan]

Started today getting signatures on my petitions
I'm running for both Judge of Elections and Constable for our township

An OC Activist
Ed

[ccphilly1984]

i was going to run for constable in my township and recently decided to not try after meeting our current constable. this guy is going for his fourth term and i very politically connected and knows his shit. i'd be a b.s. constable... god damn it why do i have to live in the township of 50,000 instead of the bouroughs of 1000 each that scatter this monster township... you got to do a lot of ass kissing to a political party to get a nomination, which i'm not really about...wish i could run in an area where i could win as a libertarian or independent.


anyone know of republician openings in middletown township?


also i'd like to add that running as an indie or libertarian/green/ect requires more signatures but circulation is march to august.

[ccphilly1984]

Originally Posted by ehidle

I would love to serve on the government for the sole purpose of shrinking it and its involvement in everyone's lives. However, being that I don't have any money, I doubt I'd be able to mount an effective campaign against the establishment that currently runs the place.

my cousin is a volunteer firefighter for towmencin township. if your address is lansdale and u live in that township, i'd send you his myspace and you could meet some of the firefighters and get their support.

[dc dalton]

I will admit I have thought about it but there are (unfortunately) way too many 'ghosts in my closet' from my younger 'dumber' days

[Paradigm]

I picked up fourteen sigs so far. I only need 10, but you never know if any sigs might get tossed.

As far as skeletons, everybody has 'em. They usually aren't ever investigated (or cared about) on the local level. Only when you go for a state seat and get media attention do those crimes become "sexy news."

As far as Middletown township goes, I'm sure at least one township supervisor position is open. Give it a shot! You only need 10 sigs on that petition.

Congrats to those who are going for an office...and good luck!

If political office isn't for you, find out the issues and work to support those who support your beliefs!