I'm running for office!

[Killarney]

Ok, well, it's only a local office, but hey... it's a start. ;)

I'm picking up the papers today and then I'll start collecting signatures. For anyone who has done this before... I need 50 registered voter signatures... how many do you think I should get (because some people may think they are RV's but are really not)... 70 to be safe? Should I just go door to door? Any suggestions?

Wish me luck in March '04! :)

[DarkPhenyx]

1. Good luck Killarney!

And no worries about it being a local office. We need support at all levels, and must fight the battle on all fronts.

[elperromagico]

2. Good luck in March '04!

70 signatures sounds like a reasonable figure. If you can get more than 70, even better. Obviously, you should start off with friends and family and then work your way up. Going door-to-door might work, but a lot of people get cheesed off when you come up to their doors. Try any public gathering place. You might be well-served to ask the county clerk where you can and cannot collect signatures.

Again, good luck in March '04. :)

[MaineDem]

3. Way to go!!!

Good luck. I don't know the answer on the number of signatures. I know I'd get more than required for the reason you stated.

Keep us informed.

[Robb]

4. Woo hoo!

Get 70, and then keep getting them until you can't stand it any more. Better safe than sorry, and think of it as early campaigning if nothing else!

Mrs. Robb is on town council here, it's very tough and very rewarding! My only advice is make friends with the clerk's office right now. ...And have a little fun while you do it all! :toast:

[areschild]

5. Proud of ya.

Way to go!!

[nostamj]

6. what office?

good luck anyway...

[ewagner]

7. Hint

Use the signature collection process to WIN the election.

Get as many people as possible to help collect signatures and turn in a clear majority of sigs in your district.

Worked for me....twice!

[Orangepeel]

8. Can people vote absentee in your state?

If so, when you are out collecting signatures, get them to sign up to receive a mail ballot as well (assuming they are supportive of you). That's like a vote in the bank.

And BTW, congratulations and good for you!

[citizen snips]

9. What office?

What office are you running for.

[VelmaD]

10. running for local offices is vital

That's how the rethugs have taken over the country. What you're doing is important - keep us all posted on how you're doing and if you need any help.

Definintely get more sigs than you think you need just in case. The signature collection process is where voters get their chance to hear your name. Going to public places is a good idea but I have to disagree with the person who said don't go door to door. Walk your precints. Repeatedly. There are more people who will vote for you because they met you and talked to you than will be turned off that you "interrupted" them. Block walking is old-fashioned but still very effective, especially in local races and when you don't have much money for advertising.

[jburton]

11. some sig tips

The following is some of the stuff I've seen Some may or may not apply for your area, depending on population, etc.

1. Get a bazillion signatures. It's a good way to get your name out there way before any votes are even cast. Also, is shows viability.

2. Get clipboards with sig sheets on them, and take them with you to Dem events (too late for Labor day Dem events, but things like young Dem meetings, Pres. Meetup events, etc.)

3. Be flexible - most people don't carry their voter cards with them, so be willing to just have them fill out the name, address, etc. and then you or a volunteer can look up and fill in the voter ID # later (you can get this online in larger counties)

Best wishes!

[Sal316]

12. A good rule of thumb is 20% more than you need.

At least that's what I've been told.

Good on ya!

That's how the GOP started, by taking over local offices..

[Killarney]

13. Thanks everyone!

The office I'm running for is a slot on the Library Board of Trustees. I think it's a great place for me to start in local government since it's something I really care about. We've had trouble in town with funding this year and the library had to drastically reduce their hours. Due to cuts in federal library aid and state cuts, things are looking grim for the next couple years at least, so I want to try and help out as much as I can. I have some new ideas for fundraising and I've done budget work before in corporate, so I'm really excited about this. :)

Thanks again for all suggestions! :)