1. Know why you’re running, and say it the same way every time.
Answer this question in under 100 words: Why are you running? What do you hope to achieve?
Write the answer as bullet points, then use it consistently in everything you do.
Check your balance of “I” and “you.” Count how many times you use the word “I.” Then count how many times you use “you,” “we,” or “us.” You should be talking more about what you can do for voters than about yourself.
It’s easy to write “I have 20 years of experience…”, “I will fight for…”, “I believe…”. Each of those might be fine on its own, but together they make the message about you. Voters are really asking, “What’s in it for me and my town?”
You don’t need to drop “I” entirely, because your credentials and personal commitment still need it. The goal is to tip the balance toward the voter. For example:
- “I will fight to lower property taxes” → “You shouldn’t have to choose between staying in your home and paying your tax bill.”
- “I care about our schools” → “Our kids deserve schools that are fully funded, without putting more of the burden on local taxpayers.”
2. Build an online home base.
Take your answers from #1 and create an online destination: a YouTube video or channel, a website, a Facebook page, or similar. Share your bio, your positions on the issues, and photos. Give people a way to sign up to support you, whether with dollars or their time.
Tip: A video will get found faster than words on a page.
3. Complete the Ballotpedia and Citizens Count surveys.
- Ballotpedia: ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Survey&Source=surveypage
- Citizens Count: citizenscount.org/survey/2026-state-candidate-survey
You should have been contacted about these by mail or email. If not, reach out to them through their websites. These are where last-minute voters go to decide who to vote for, and where potential supporters go to check you out.
4. Create a 5-point postcard and a door-knocking script.
Make a postcard with five key points that you can hand out wherever you go. Then turn it into a script your volunteer door knockers can use to explain why people should vote for you.
5. Write a letter to the editor, and get your friends to write one too.
Write a letter to the editor of your local media explaining why you’re running and what you can do for that outlet’s readers. Then send it to 10 of your closest friends and ask them to write letters supporting your candidacy. Make sure the letters also get posted to local community Facebook groups, or wherever people in your community go for local news. Check out our Letters to the Editor guide HERE.
