There are thousands of people who run for office every year and even more who want to run.   If you are thinking about running then be sure to follow these steps.

1. Identify what you want to accomplish
   • Is there something specific? General reason to answer the question, why?
2. Get involved with a Political Party
   • Voters often choose
3. Volunteer and make friends
4. Plan Running for Office
   • This means put together an actual written plan
   • Circulate it to political family members and trusted friends for feedback
5. Find a good team and political advisors
   • Paid staff are likely better, but you are really looking for people who have a lot of time and care passionately

Political Parties are a means by which politicians, voters, and platforms can be united. Under the banner of a political party politicians generally vote, and act upon the influence and platform (ideology) of the Party and Party officials.

Voters often choose who to vote for based upon which party the Politician is affiliated with and not always the ideals of the politician. This is especially evident in local and state elections where the politician campaigning is less recognizable to the voters.

The United States is a multi-party system, but favors two parties in particular. These political parties are the Republicans (Grand Old Party-GOP) and the Democratic Party (Dem). The majority of all state elected officers are from these two political parties.

The importance of getting involved in your party is to meet and network with like-minded people who will help you in the future to get elected to different offices. These people will become your greatest asset and should become your friends. Party affiliation becomes important because the party is the life-blood to your early elections, and practically the only way to higher state and national office.

Ways to get involved with the political party:

• Help the party by volunteering to help your neighbors register to vote.
• Look for donations for local candidates and the party itself.
• Go to conventions on the state and local levels.
• Go to town hall meetings and other political meetings held by the party.
• Meet the leadership of the party through emails, phone calls, or personal visits.
• Email elected officials when you feel they did a good job, not just to complain.
• Volunteer to walk neighborhoods and introduce candidates to your neighbors.
• Know your local officials and candidates.
• Meet State legislators and get involved in the issues they face.
• Let party officials know that you are interested in running for office in the future.

After you get involved, it's important to keep in touch, think of these people as the first voters you have to convince, because they are.  They should get holiday cards, remember their birthdays and reach out to them when issues affect you or your neighborhood.

Want more tips on how to win a political campaign, check out The Manager.