How to Run for Governor in Michigan
- 1). Make sure you meet the age requirement. The Michigan constitution states that "a person must have attained the age of 30 years" to assume the office of either governor or lieutenant governor.
- 2). Determine how long you have been registered to vote in the state. The Constitution stipulates that an individual seeking the office of governor must "have been a registered elector in this state for four years next preceding his election."
- 3). Decide whether you would like to seek the nomination of a political party or run as an independent candidate. To seek a party's nomination, you must follow through with the procedures associated with that party. This usually involves gathering enough ballot signatures to be placed on the ballot during the primary election, winning that primary, and formally assuming the role of the party's nominee during its convention. See Resources for information concerning the Michigan Republican and Democratic parties.
- 4). Determine your political positions on issues relevant to Michigan. If you are running for a party's nomination, your positions should be in line with the platform of the party whose nomination you are seeking.
- 5). Assemble a team and begin canvassing. Until you earn the support of a major party, you will be largely responsible for staffing your own campaign.
