WHY & HOW TO RUN FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICE
What’srequired?
Am I eligible?
Whichoffice?
and MORE!
This informational booklet provides answers to common questions: Who can
helpme?
Should I run?
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Sponsored by:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. IntroductIon ...................................................................................................3
2. decIdIng to run For LocaL oFFIce Should You Run? ................................................................................................... 4-5
Are You Eligible? ......................................................................................................5
3. requIrementS to run Important Dates to Remember ...................................................................................6
ChecklistforRunningforLocalElectedOffice ........................................................7
Nominations and Ballot Placement
Nomination Process ............................................................................................8
Caucus Process ............................................................................................... 9-11
4. campaIgn conSIderatIonS Mapping the Campaign .....................................................................................12-13
Writing and Submitting an Effective Press Release ............................................... 14
5. campaIgn FInanceS Campaign Finance Registration Requirements .................................................15-17
6. Speak Your peace – the cIvILItY campaIgn ................18-19
7. addItIonaL reSourceS Other Ways to Get Involved in Local Government ................................................ 20
Books and Websites ................................................................................................ 20
This booklet made possible through the work of Wood County UW-Extension, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Rapids Area, and Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County.
Special thanks to the Sauk County UW-Extension for providing much of the material included here.
Special thanks to Sheryl Hiles of North Wood Graphics & Design for her assistance in creating this booklet.
november 20082
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a strong democracy depends on engaged citizens and dedicated, competent, leaders willing to step forward and serve in public offices. No matter which public office–schoolboard,townboard,countyboard,citycouncil,sheriff,orothers–ourpublicinstitutions become stronger when interested candidates offer voters choices as to who will represent them.
Byrunningforpublicoffice,youhelpsustainthedemocracyenvisionedbyourcountry’sfounders. They created a unique system that put governing in the hands of the people. This astonishing system works because people like you have the courage and determination to run forandholdpublicoffice.Servinginpublicofficeprovidestheopportunitytouseyourskills,talents,andexperiencetobeacreativeforceforpositivechangeinyourcommunity.
The best way to determine what a community wants is to listen to what its people have to say. Thisisafundamentalprincipleofdemocracy.Disagreementscanleadtohealthydebate,whichbrings new information and ideas to light. When a particular issue strikes at the fundamental beliefsofagrouporindividual,thedebatecanbeespeciallyfierce.Inthesesituations,itbecomes more important than ever to practice civility.
Asyouconsiderrunningforpublicelectedoffice,knowthateffortsareunderwaytocreateanatmosphereinourcommunitythatstressescivildiscourse.SpeakYourPeace–theCivilityProject urges the citizens of greater south Wood County to communicate in a more respectful and effective way. It is not a campaign to end disagreements. It is a campaign to improve public
discourse by simply reminding ourselves of the very basic principles of respect.
By elevating our level of communication and avoiding personal attacks and general stubbornness,wecanavoidunhealthydebate.Thiswillleadtoamoreeffectivedemocracy,andhelpmaintainoursenseofcommunitybyincreasingcivicparticipation.
Congratulations for your interest in running for public office. You are about to embark on a truly noble profession.
You Can Make a Difference in Your Community
Carry on the Tradition of Our Country’s Founders
Should You Run for Office?
Elected officials in Wisconsin cite a number of reasons for running for local office. Many run inspiredbythegeneraldesiretocontributetotheircommunities,whileothersaremotivatedbydissatisfaction with the incumbent and the belief that they could do a better job. Some are recruited by friendsandneighbors.Stillothersaredriventoseekofficebyasingleburningissue.
Nomatterwhatthereasonforrunningforpoliticaloffice,potentialcandidatesmustcarefullyappraiseboth themselves and the political climate they would enter. The questions asked in this information gatheringprocesswillnothaverightorwronganswers,butwillaidinmakingareasoneddecision.Following is a list of areas for assessment and research.
PersonalstrengthsandweaknessesWhyrunforthisparticularoffice?Whatistheattitudeofyourfamilytowardyourcandidacy?Isyourselfconfidencestrongenoughtotakepublicand/orpersonalcriticism?Towhatextentisthe candidate prepared to work on a variety of topics and issues?
Political strengths and weaknesses What is your relationshipwithyourcommunity–lengthofresidence,associationwithcommunityleaders,friendsfromacrosssection of the community? With what issues or problems areyouidentified?Canyouspeakaudibly,concisely,andauthoritatively? Can you attract an appropriate number of workers and contributors? Are you able to deal with today’sopponentsinawaythatwillallowthemtobealliestomorrow?Whatisyourpoliticalexperience?
The electorate What voting patterns emerge from past elections? What is the majority party? What percentage of voters turns out to vote? What percentage of citizens are registered to vote? What is the demographic composition of the district?
The opposition How many opponents are there likely to be? Is the incumbent an opponent? What are the personal and political strengths and weaknesses of each potential opponent? Have any made a previous race and what were their campaign tactics?
Legal requirementsWhataretheapplicableelectionlaws,includingfilingandqualifyingrequirements,financelaws,legaldeadlines,anddates?
Political traditionWhatcampaignactivitiesaretraditionalorexpectedbytheelectorate?Whatamountofmoneyhasbeenspentbybothwinningandlosingcandidatesforthisofficeinpreviouselections?
Opinion influences What local issues have provoked local debate or citizen reaction lately? Whatissuessurroundthisparticularoffice?Whatotherracesorissueswillbeontheballot?Whoreallymakesdecisionsinthecommunity?Whataretheinfluentialorganizations?Whataretheprevailing community media outlets?
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The officeIsthisthecorrectofficeforthecandidate?Whatintrinsicrewardsdoestheofficeoffer?Doesthisofficeholdthepotentialtoinfluencethekindsofchangesthatthecandidatewantstosee?What kind of time commitment will be necessary if the candidate is elected?
Time How many days are there until Election Day? How much time will the candidate have for the campaign? How much time can core supporters give?
Money What is the fund raising tradition in the community? How much “early money” can be raised?Howmuchmoneycanthecandidates,theirfamilies,theirclosestfriends,andtheirkeysupporters contribute to the campaign? What are the additional potential sources of individual contributions? What organizations make political contributions and which are likely to contribute to this candidate?
EthicsEthicslawsinWisconsinplacelimitationsonelectedofficials’abilitytosellgoodsandservicestothemunicipalityforwhichtheyholdoffice.Doesthecandidatehaveafinancialconflictof interest? Is the candidate willing to give up revenue that a family-owned business might otherwise earn from selling to the municipality?
Ifthisappraisalperiodleadstothedecisiontorunforoffice,theinformationgatheredwillprovideyou with a basis for a campaign plan.
Am I eligible for office?• CitizenoftheUnited StatesofAmerica• Residentofthe appropriatejurisdiction• 18yearsofageorolder• Notaconvictedfelon
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This was the first in a series of excerpts from the Campaign Handbook, published by the National Women’s Education Fund, Washington, DC 20035.
Ready for the next steps?
Important Dates to Remember
✰ Campaign Dates From December 1 until 5:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday in January • PeriodforcirculatingandfilingnominationpapersforSpring election candidates.
Last Tuesday in January • Thelastdayforholdingtownandvillagecaucuseswhenorderedbythegoverningbody.
From June 1 until 5:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday in July • Periodforcirculatingandfilingnominationpapersforgeneral election candidates.
✰ Election Dates third tuesday in February • PresidentialPreferencePrimaryinpresidentialelectionyears • NonpartisanPrimaryElection,ifnecessitatedbynumberof candidatesforanofficeinSpringElection. • Referendum(a),ifany
First tuesday in april • Nonpartisanelectionforlocalofficials,SuperintendentofPublicInstruction,SupremeCourt justices,appealscourtjudges,circuitcourtjudges,countysupervisors,etc. • Referendum(a),ifany
Second tuesday in September • FallPartisanPrimary,ifnecessitatedbynumberofcandidatesforanofficeinGeneralElection • Referendum(a),ifany Tuesday after the first Monday in November • GeneralElectionforpresident,vicepresident,senator,representative,governor,lieutenant governor,attorneygeneral,secretaryofstate,statetreasurer,statesenatorandrepresentative, andcountyoffices(besidessupervisors) • Referendum(a),ifany
✰ Voter Registration Dates (As of 2006 all voters must be registered)
By 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday before an election (Registrationbymail) In the clerk’s office up until 5:00 p.m. the day before the election (Registrationinperson)
election day • Atthepollswithacceptableproofofresidency.
Source: League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the Government Accountability Board
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Checklist For Running For Local Elected Office
❏ Decidewhichpublicofficeisrightforyou.❏ Decidetorunforoffice.❏ Registerwiththeappropriatefilingofficer(GovernmentAccountabilityBoard,county,municipal, townorschoolclerk).AskforCampaign Finance and Book Keeping ManualandfilloutState ElectionsBoardFormEB1(http://elections.state.wi.us/)beforeyouacceptdonationsor begin campaigning.❏ Meetwithsupporterstodiscussissuesandcampaignstrategy(seepage12).❏ Appoint a campaign committee. In most local races the candidate serves as the committee.❏ Asktheclerkifthenominationprocedureforyourchosenofficerequiresnominationpapersorcaucus. • nomination papers: The candidate must circulate nomination papers and compile signatures from the district he/she seeks to represent. Nomination papers are usually used in city and county elections(seepage8). ask the clerk: o What is the earliest date to circulate nomination papers? oWhenisthedeadlineforfilingnominationpapers? oWhatistheminimumnumberofsignaturesrequired?(Get20%extra.)or, • Caucus:Thecandidatemustbenominatedfromthefloororbysecretballotfortheoffice.Ifmore thantwocandidatesarenominated,avotewilltakeplaceatthecaucus.Acaucusisusuallyusedin townandvillageelections(seepage9).AnyUScitizenover18yearsofagewhohasresidedinthe districtforatleast10daysbeforethecaucusisaqualifiedelector. ask the clerk: o When will the caucus be held?
❏ Receiveinwriting,noticeofyournominationfromyourclerk.❏ Within five daysofreceivingwrittennoticefromyourclerk,filloutStateElectionsBoardForm EB162(http://elections.state.wi.us/)MunicipaljudgesneedtofilloutaStatementofEconomic Interest to the State Ethics Committee.❏ Determineifyouneedtofilecampaignfinancereports(seepage15). • Ifyoudon’tanticipateacceptingcontributions,makingdisbursements,incurringloans,orother obligationsexceeding$1,000andyoudon’tanticipateacceptingcontributionsexceeding$100 fromonesourceinacalendaryear,thenyoumaybeexemptfromfilingcampaignfinancereports.or, • Ifyouanticipateacceptingcontributions,incurringloans,orotherobligationsexceeding$1,000 inacalendaryearoryouplantoacceptmorethan$100fromasinglesource,thenyoushould follow the rules and regulations outlined in the “Campaign Finance and Book Keeping Manual.” Thispublicationisavailablethroughyourclerkoronlineat:http://elections.state.wi.us/.❏ Implementcampaignstrategy.(seepage12).❏ Win the election!
Source: League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the Government Accountability Board7
Nominations and Ballot Placement
Candidates for local public office in Wisconsin get their names on the official ballot in one of two ways – by correctly filing nomination papers with the local clerk or through a caucus. In eithercase,thecandidatesneedtoclarifywiththeclerkwhichprocedurewillbeused,andunderstandand follow these procedures if they want their name to appear on the ballot.
✰ Nomination PapersCandidatesforpublicofficeinallcitiesandcounties,andinsometowns,villages,andschooldistrictsuse nomination papers to get their names on the ballot. These candidates must ensure that their nominationpapersareprepared,circulated,signed,andfiledincompliancewithstatutoryandotherlegal requirements.
In general, the prospective candidate follows these steps:1. Ascertainthedatesforcirculatingthepapers.Papersforthespringelection,forexample,may notbecirculatedpriortoDecember1andmustbefilednolaterthan5p.m.onthefirstTuesdayin Januaryprecedingtheelection.Forthefallelection,papersmaynotbecirculatedpriortoJune1 andmustbefiledby5p.m.onthesecondTuesdayofJuly.2. Obtainthecorrectform,either a. Nomination Paper for Nonpartisan Office(EB169),or b. Nomination Paper for Partisan Office(EB168) BothformsareavailableontheGovernmentAccountabilityBoardwebsite: http://elections.state.wi.us/orfromtheclerk.3. Next,thecandidatecalculatesthenumberofsignaturesneeded.Thisvaries,dependingonthe officeandthesizeofthejurisdiction.Makeasufficientnumberofcopiesoftheformto accommodatetherequirednumberofsignatures(10perform).4. Begincirculatingthepapers.Ifneededordesired,thecandidatemayrecruitcirculatorswhowill obtainsignaturesonthecandidate’sbehalf.5. Collectappropriatenumberofsignatures.Keepinmind,thereisamaximumnumberof signaturesaswellasaminimum.Makesurethatsignersincludetheiraddress,municipality,and date of signing.6. Reviewthecompletedforms.Makesureyouhavesufficientnumberofcertifiablesignatures. Ensure that the circulator has completed the required information at the bottom of the form.7. Priortothestatutorydeadline,filethecompletednominationpaperswiththeappropriateclerk.A Declaration of Candidacy(FormEB162)andaCampaign Registration Statement(FormEB1),if notalreadyfiled,shouldalsobefiledatthistime.
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here are some of the basic rules for electors who sign nomination papers:• Eachsignermustlivewithinthejurisdiction.• Electorsmustsigntheirownnameunlessunabletodosobecauseofphysicaldisability.• Apersonmaynotsignforhisorherspouse,orforanyotherperson,evenwhentheyhavebeen given a power of attorney by that person.• Onlyonesignatureperpersonforthesameofficeisvalid.• Acompleteaddress,includingmunicipalityofresidenceforvotingpurposes,andthestreetand number,ifany,oftheresidence,(orpostaladdressifitislocatedinthejurisdictionthatthe candidateseekstorepresent),shallbelistedforeachsignatureonthenominationpaper.• APostOfficeboxaddressonlyisnotacceptable.• Thedateofthesignaturemustbeincluded.• Theelectormustbe18yearsofageatthetimethepaperissigned.
✰ Nomination of Candidates by CaucusThe caucus is a method that may be used by towns and villages for nominating candidates to be placed on the spring election ballot. The caucus is open to the public,butonlyqualifiedelectorsofthemunicipalitymaynominateandvoteoncandidates.(Note: A caucus cannot be used for nominating candidates for theofficeofTownSanitaryDistrictCommissioner.NominationpapersmustbeusedbyTownSanitaryDistricts.)
AnypersonwhoisaUnitedStatescitizen,18yearsofageorolder,whohasresidedwithinthemunicipalityforatleast10daysbeforethecaucusisaqualifiedelector.Thepolllistfromaprevious election can be used as an aid in determining ifapersonqualifiedasanelectorinthemunicipalityat the last election. Any person whose name does not appear on the poll list can be asked to provide some form ofidentificationthatincludestheperson’sname,currentaddress,andifnecessary,dateofbirth.
Whenthecaucussystemisused,thereisnoFebruaryprimaryforthetownorvillageoffices.However,theremaystill be a February primary conducted within the town or villageforstate,county,orschooldistrictcandidates.
CAUCUS: When is one held?BetweenDecember1andJanuary1precedingaspringelection,thegoverningbodyofanytownorvillage using the caucus system for nominating candidates must decide the date on which the caucus willbeheld.ThecaucusmustbeheldnosoonerthanthefirstTuesdayinJanuaryandnolaterthanthelastTuesdayinJanuary.Ifpossible,preferenceshouldbegiventothelastTuesdayinJanuary.
Whenacaucusisheld,themunicipalclerkmustgiveproperpublicnotice.Thisisaccomplishedbypostinganoticeintheclerk’sofficeandbypublicationinanewspaperatleastfivedaysbeforethedateofthecaucus.Thisnoticemustcontainthelocation,date,andtimeofthecaucus.Whereanewspaperisnotpublishedwithinamunicipality,clerkscanmeetthispublishingrequirementbyposting the notice of the caucus in at least three locations within the municipality. When posting is used,thenoticesmustbepostednolaterthanfivedaysbeforethedateofthecaucus.Thenoticesmustbe posted in three places within the municipality where they are most likely to be seen by electors.
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Cau•cus(kôk´əs)n.ameetingofleadersoracommitteeofapoliticalpartyorfactiontodecideonpolicy,pickcandidates,etc.especiallypriortoageneral,openmeeting.
CAUCUS: What is the procedure for nomination? Nominationsaremadeseparatelyforeachofficethatwillappearonthespringelectionballot.Thiscanbedoneinoneoftwoways:bytakingnominationsfromthefloor,orbyconductingavotebysecret ballot.
Whennominationsaretakenfromthefloor,eachnominationmustreceiveasecond.Aftereachnominationismadeandseconded,thecaucuschairpersonmustask,“Arethereanymorenominations?”andhearingnone,mustannouncethat,“Nominationsareclosed.”Ifnominationsaremadebyconductingasecretballot,thetellerswilldistributeapieceofpapertoeachelectorwhichwill serve as a ballot. The electors will be instructed to write in the name of the candidate of his or her nomineefortheoffice.Whethernominationsaretakenfromthefloororbyconductingasecretballot,self nominations are permitted. The ballots will then be collected and tallied by the tellers.
Whichevermethodisusedformakingnominations,thenamesofallpersonsnominatedwillbeannouncedbythecaucuschairperson.Onlythosepersonsnominatedwillbevotedonatthecaucus,ifvoting is necessary.
Forthoseofficeswhereonlyonepersonistobeelectedandonlyoneortwocandidatesarenominated,thereisnoneedtoconductavote.Ifmorethantwopersonshavebeennominated,avotemustbeconductedatthecaucustoreducethenumberofcandidatestotwo.Ifavoteisrequired,thecaucus chairperson will announce the names of all candidates. Each elector at the caucus is entitled to vote for one candidate. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes are nominated and certifiedtothemunicipalclerkbythecaucuschairpersonandtellers.
Nominationsfortheofficesoftownsupervisorselectedtounnumberedseats,ornominationsfortheofficesofvillagetrusteeshouldbeconsideredtogether.Ifmorethantwicethenumberofcandidatestobeelectedisnominated,avotemustbeconductedtoreducethenumberofcandidatestotwicethenumberofseatstobefilled.Eachelectoratthecaucusisentitledtovoteforasmanycandidatesasthereareseatstobefilledattheelection.Forexample,ifthreevillagetrusteesaretobeelected,eachpersoncanvoteforthreecandidates.Thesixcandidateswhoreceivethemostvotesatthecaucuswillbenominatedandcertifiedtothemunicipalclerkbythecaucuschairpersonandtellers.
Candidatesinjurisdictionwherethecaucusisinplaceshouldnotethatthecaucusserves,essentially,asthatmunicipality’sprimary.Ifmorethantwopeoplearenominatedforanoffice,thevotetoreducethe number of candidates to two will be taken during the caucus. Serious candidates will want to ensure that their supporters attend and participate in the caucus.
Ifanyofthenominatedcandidatesarepresentatthecaucus,themunicipalclerkmayprovidethemwiththewrittennoticeofnomination,theCampaign Registration Statement(EB1),andtheDeclaration of Candidacy(EB162).Thecandidatecouldthencompleteandfilethepaperworkimmediately with the clerk.
Ifacandidateisnotpresentatthecaucus,thewrittennotification,theCampaign Registration Statement (EB1),andtheDeclaration of Candidacy(EB162)shouldbedeliveredtothecandidateassoon as possible.
Delivery can be made in person or by mail. The candidate has five days from the date of receiving writtennotificationofhisorhernominationtofilethenecessaryformswiththeclerk.
CAUCUS: How are nominated candidates notified?Assoonasthenominatedcandidatesarecertifiedtothemunicipalclerk,theclerkisresponsiblefornotifyingthecandidates,inwriting,oftheirnomination.TheclerkmustalsoinformeachcandidateoftherequirementtofileaCampaign Registration Statement(FormEB1)andaDeclaration of Candidacy (FormEB162).
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CandidatesformunicipaljudgemustalsobeinformedoftherequirementthattheymustfileaStatement of Economic Interests with the State Ethics Board. A copy of the Campaign Registration Statement(FormEB1)andtheDeclaration of Candidacy(FormEB162)shouldbeprovidedbytheclerk to each nominated candidate.
CAUCUS: What are the qualifications for placing candidates on the ballot?Inordertoqualifyforballotplacement,eachcandidateisrequiredtocompleteandfile,nolaterthanfivedaysafterreceivingawrittennoticethatheorshehasbeennominatedforoffice,thetwoformslisted:Campaign Registration Statement(FormEB1);andDeclaration of Candidacy(FormEB162).
AcandidateformunicipaljudgemustalsofileaStatement of Economic Interests with the StateEthicsBoardnolaterthanfivedaysafterreceivingwrittennotificationthatheorshehasbeennominated.
Ifacandidatefailstofileanyoftherequiredformswithinfivedaysafterreceiptofwrittennotification,thecandidatedoesnotqualifyforballotplacementandtheclerkcannotplacethecandidate’snameontheballot.Whenacandidatefailstofiletherequiredformsontime,theclerkshould treat that failure as a declination to nomination.
Nolaterthantheendofthethirddayfollowingthequalificationofcandidates,themunicipalclerkmustconductadrawingoflotsforeachofficetodeterminetheorderinwhichcandidates’nameswillbe placed on the Spring Election ballot.
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✰ Notes
Mapping the Campaign
1. Invite potential committee members to discuss priority issues and campaign organization during the months before circulating nomination papers. Include a variety of factions who would support you.
2. get a copy of the election statutes from your clerk or download Chapters 512 of the Wisconsin StateStatutesfromtheinternetathttp://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/statutes.html.
3. get a candidate packetfromtheGovernmentAccountabilityBoardbycalling608.266.8005or ontheinternetathttp://elections.state.wi.us/.
4. Ifnecessary,circulate nomination papers. Get as many people involved incirculatingpapersaspossible.Savecopiesofthosefiledwiththe clerk’sofficeinordertobeabletocontactthosewhohave indicated support. File more than the minimum number of names incasequestionsariseaboutthequalificationofsigners. Nomination papers can get people talking about your candidacy. Thereis,however,alimittothenumberofsignaturesthatcanbe submitted. This limitation is designed to prevent one candidate from “cornering the market.” It is illegal to solicit nomination signatures on public property. If soliciting signatures on private property,youarerequiredtoattaintheapprovalofthepropertyowner.
5. Ifnecessary,attend the appropriate caucus with your supporters and get nominated.
6. Learn the “culture of campaigning” in your area. Do local candidates actively campaign in traditionalways,suchasdoortodoor,yardsigns,attendlocalevents,etc.?Oriscampaigning “shunned”?Youmaychoosetoruna“quiet”campaignthroughpaidnewspaperads,coffee/ socials by invitation in private homes.
7. Issueanannouncementofyourcandidacytothepapers,preferablywithapicture.A5x7” glossy and a short resume about yourself will be effective.
8. developconsistentvisualssuchasalogo,slogan,colors,thatresidentscanassociatewithyou quickly and repeatedly. Create tasteful and original campaign literature. All political advertising used in campaigns must carry clearly visible information identifying its source. The phrase “Paidforby”shouldbefollowedbythecandidate’snameandaddressorthecampaigncommittee andthetreasurer’sname.keep in mind that it is illegal to place any campaign materials on windshields!
9. divide campaign jobs into a variety of projects. Have on hand assignments of varying degrees ofdifficultyandtimerequirementsforvolunteerstochoosefrom(e.g.,neighborhoodcanvassing, writingcampaignliterature,circulatingnominationpapers,givingcoffees,thankingcontributors, checkingonpeoplewhomightneedbabysittingorridestopolls,checkingonregistration).Any work done for a candidate is a commitment to that candidate!
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10.arrangeforcoffeesandpublicappearances(don’tforgetthelocalradiotalkshow)–asmany as possible.
11. knockondoors.Door-to-doorcampaigningistheonlywayyouwillmeetsomeofthevoters.So, planonasmuchofthisasyoucanhandle.Priortogoingdoor-to-door,obtainfromthecounty clerk’sofficealistofvotersinyourjurisdictionwhovotedinthemostrecentelectionliketheone youareparticipatingin(e.g.,springelection;fallofapresidentialelectionyear;fallofanoff-year election).Giveprioritytospeakingwithpeoplemostlikelytovote.
12. Attention candidate!Keepyourworkers’moralefromsagging.Accentuatethepositiveand expressyourgratitude.
13. Attention campaign workers!Keepyourcandidate’smoraleatahighlevel.
14. raise some money. Fund raising is essential. Whether you merely pass the hat or throw an elaboratefunction,infusethatbudgetearlyandsolicitfunds.
15. make the campaign your own and maintain your ground. Say what you think. Be yourself. Be willingtosayyouarenotinformed,ifyouarenot,andsaythatyouwillbecomeinformed.Watch outfordeclaringafinalopiniononeverything.
16. checkyourspeakinghabits.Findwhateverwayworksbestforyoutorelax.Focusonthe interviewerandthequestions,ifthereisone,butdon’tavoideyecontactwithanaudience.The audiencewillrememberyourgeneraloutlookandpoiseperhapsmorethanspecificstatements you make in your responses.
17. Be creativeinthewayyouthankyourworkers,contributors,andcampaignmanagers.Ata minimumsendthankyounotes.Remember,thereisalwaysanexttime,winorlose.
18.expecttheunexpected.
Source: League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the Government Accountability Board
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VOTE for Me!
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Writing and Submitting an Effective Press Release
most basic of all public relations tools is the press release.Whenpreparedcorrectly,itisasimplemechanism for informing the media about a newsworthy project or event. Submitting a press release does not guarantee that it will be printed. You may want to consider a paid advertisement to ensure you make the paper. Here are some guidelines for preparing a news release.
establish relevance:Besuretoemphasizethelocalrelevanceinthefirstsentenceandintheheadline.YourpressreleaseshouldcoverbasicinformationonthefiveW’s(Who,What,Where,When,Why)andthengoontoprovideadditionalinformationonyourprogram–itsgoals,design,and people involved.
keep it short:Anewsreleaseshouldnotexceedtwopagesor600wordsinlength.Beware;editorsoftenshortenarticlesbycuttingfromtheendofthecopy.So,besurethatthemostessentialinformationcomesfirst,leastessentiallast.Apressreleaseshouldbesimple.Checkthatallwordsandnames are spelled correctly.
tell a story by providing an example: Any time you can incorporate a compelling story about a personwhohasbeenaffectedbyaprogramorproject,besuretoincludeit.Thisiswhatmakesyourpressreleaseinterestingtothereadersand,therefore,theeditors.
Include your contact information:Everypressreleaseshouldcontainyourcontactinformation,including phone numbers and email addresses on the top of the page.
Include a release date: Include a release date when the media should print the press release on the top of the page.
Your press release should start out something like this:
For ImmedIate reLeaSe contact:JoeSmith,candidateforMayorofElectionville(123)[email protected] re: Smith is Running for Mayor of Electionville
Mail, Fax, or E-mail?: Be sure to check with your local paper about their preferences. Some prefer faxormailbutmostwouldchoosetoreceivepressreleasesviaemail.Iftheygetitelectronically,theydon’thavetoretypeit!Also,sendyourpressreleaseaweekortwobeforeyouwantittobeprinted.Ifyousendittooearlyitmaygetlostintheshuffle.
Send Images: Include a relevant photo or at least some type of logo or graphic. Photos are the best way to help your news story stand out. Email your photos in a JPEG format at a resolution of 170-200dpi.
call your local political reporter:Callyourlocalmediaandfindthecontactpersonforlocalpolitics.Sendyourpressreleasetothem,andcalltomakesuretheyreceivedit.Itwillensurethatthey are aware of the release and it will improve its chances of getting published.
other media outlets:Doyouhavealocalradio,TVorcablechannel?Itmaybeworthittoincludethem in your media contact list.
Campaign Finance
most candidates for local elections are exempt from filing campaign Finance reports because their campaign finance activity does not reach the minimum thresholds. If your campaign does notmeettherequirementsforexemption,followtherulesandregulationsoutlinedinCampaign Finance and Book Keeping Report. Copies can be obtained from your clerk or online at http://elections.state.wi.us.
A candidate is exempt from filing Campaign Finance Reports if all of the following apply:
1. Thecandidateanticipatesthathe/shewillnotacceptcontributions,makedisbursements,or incurloansandotherobligationsexceeding$1,000inacalendaryear.
2. The candidate anticipates that he/she will not accept any contribution or cumulative contributionsfromasinglesourceexceeding$100inacalendaryear.
3. Thecandidateortreasurersignsanddatestherequestforexemptiononthelineatitem6of the Campaign Registration Statement(FormEB1).
The$100limitoncontributionsfromasinglesourcedoesnotapplytocontributionsfromacandidate’spersonalfundsforhisorhercampaign,ifthecandidate’scontributionstotal$1,000orlessinacalendaryear.Whenexempt,thecandidateisnotrequiredtofileanyCampaign Finance Reports. However,thecandidateisrequiredtokeepfinancialrecordsadequatetomeettherequirementsofthecampaignfinancelaw.
Ifadecisionismadeatalaterdatetoexceedthe$1,000limitoncontributionsanddisbursements,ortoraisemorethan$100fromasinglesourceforthecampaignduringacalendaryear,thecandidatemustamendtheregistrationstatement.ThecandidateisrequiredtofileCampaign Finance Reports beginningwiththenextregularreport.Thefirstreportmustcoverallfinancialactivityfromthetimeofregistrationorfromthedateofthelastfinancialreportbeforegoingonexemption.
PoliticalcandidatesfilinganOath for Committees and Individuals Making Independent Disbursements(FormEB6)arenoteligibleforexemption.
✰ Financial ReportingRegardlessofitsstatus,thecandidateisrequiredtomaintainfinancialrecordsadequatetomeettherequirementsofthecampaignfinancelaw.
Contributionsarerestrictedbythecampaignfinancelaw.Limitsvarywiththeofficebeingpursued,sobesuretocheckouttheallowedcontributionlevelforaparticularofficeofinterest.Someprohibitedcontributionsinclude: 1. Anonymouscontributionsover$10. 2. Cashcontributionsover$50(Theremustbeacheck,moneyorder, orcreditsliptoidentifythecontributor.) 3. Contributions listed in a name other than that of the actual contributor. 4. Corporate or cooperative contributions. 5. Contributionsinexcessofthelimitssetbylaw.
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Campaignfinancereportsmustbefiledbyallregistrantswhoarenotexemptfromfilingreportsuntilterminationoftheirregistration.Thesereportsmustbefiledwiththeappropriatefilingofficerwhendue. The Campaign Finance Report(FormEB2)isa10-pageformprovidedtocandidatesforstateofficebytheGovernmentAccountabilityBoardandtocandidatesforlocalofficebythelocalfilingofficer.
✰ Campaign Finance Registration RequirementsWho is required to register?UnderWisconsincampaignfinancelaw,acandidateforelectiontoanypublicofficemustregisterwiththeappropriatefilingofficer.Candidatesforanylocalelectiveofficeinacounty,city,town,village,orschooldistrictmustregisterwiththeclerkofthecounty,city,town,village,orschooldistrictassoonastheindividualdecidestobecomeacandidate.(Candidatesforstateofficemustregister with the Government Accountability Board in Madison as soon as the individual decides to becomeacandidate.)
AcandidatemustfileaCampaign Registration Statement(EB1)atthepointheorsheformstheintenttobecomeacandidateandbeforecirculatingnominationpapers,receivingcontributions,orspendinganymoneyonthecampaign.Registrationstatementscanbeobtainedfromanyfilingofficer.Theminimumamountofmoneyneededtoopenanaccountcanbedepositedatafinancialinstitutionandapostofficeboxcanberentedbeforeregistration.However,theseexpensesmustbereportedonthefirstcampaignfinancereport.
Afterfilingtheregistrationstatement,acandidatemaybeginreceivinganddisbursingcampaignfunds.Thecampaign’sfinancialactivitiesmustbereportedtothefilingofficeronCampaign Finance Reports(EB2).Thesereportswilldiscloseinformationonthereceipts,expenditures,andincurredobligations of the campaign.
completing a Campaign Registration Statement(FormEB1)Seven information items are required on a Campaign Registration Statement Form(EB1):
1. candidate and candidate committee information This section must be completed by all candidates and candidate committees. It contains the informationidentifyingthecandidateandthecommittee,officesought,anddateoftheelection.Politicalactioncommittees,politicalpartycommittees,recallcommittees,andpoliticalgroups(referendum)donotcompletethissection.
Therearetwotypesofcandidatecampaigncommittees:apersonalcampaigncommitteeandasupport committee. A personal campaign committee is organized by the candidate in support of the candidate’sdeclaredcandidacyforaspecificoffice.Asupportcommitteeisorganizedonbehalfofthepossiblecandidacyofapersonwiththatperson’sconsent.Acandidatewithapersonalcampaign committee cannot authorize a support committee. A person who is supported by a support committee must adopt the support committee as his/her personal campaign committee whenthepersonbecomesacandidate.Eithertypeofcommitteeactsinsupportof,andonbehalfofthecandidateandisboundbythesamerulesascandidates,includingregistration,financialreporting,andlawsgoverningcampaignpractices.
2. political committee informationThis section must be completed by political committees other than candidate committees. The politicalcommitteemustprovidethename,address,andtelephonenumberofthecommittee,alongwiththenameofthesponsoringorganization,ifany,andanyacronymusedbythecommittee.Thetypeofcommitteeisindicatedbycheckingtheapplicableboxes.Candidatecommitteesdonotfillinthissection.16
3. campaign treasurerThere must be a treasurer for the candidate or political committee listed in Item 3. The candidate canserveasthecampaigntreasurer.Itisimportantthatthetreasurer’sname,completeaddress,andtelephone numbers be provided on the registration statement and be kept current. All notices and formsforcampaignfinancereportswillbesenttothispersonattheaddressgiveninthissection.
4. Principal officers of the committee and other custodians of books and accountsIfthecommitteehasotherofficersbesidesthetreasurer,theyshouldbelistedinItem4.Anon-partisancandidateforcountyormunicipaloffice,orindependentcandidate,mayauthorizecertaincommitteemembersorotherofficerstofillavacancyinnominationduetothecandidate’sdeath.Theseindividual’sshouldbeindicatedinitem4withanasterisk(*).
5. depository informationAll registrants must have a single campaign depository account in which all contributions are deposited and from which all disbursements are made. The campaign account number is written ontheformiftheregistrantmaintainsadditionalaccountsforinvestmentpurposes,includingcertificatesofdepositorasafedepositbox,thenameofthefinancialinstitutionandaccountnumbers should be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the registration statement.
candidates can use a personal account if they are both: 1.Servingastheirowntreasurer,and 2.Exemptfromfilingcampaignfinancereports.Ifcampaignfinanceactivitydoesnotexceed aminimumthreshold,thecandidatedoesnothavetofilecampaignfinancereports. The thresholds are listed under “EXEMPTION FROM FILING CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS.”
6. CertificationThe candidate and committee treasurer must sign the original registration statement of a personal campaigncommitteeorasupportcommitteecertifyingthattheinformationistrue,correct,andcompleteandthecommitteeistheonlycommitteeauthorizedtoactonthecandidate’sbehalf.
7. exemption from Filing campaign Finance reportsRegistrantswhoareeligibleforanexemptionfromfilingcampaignfinancereportsshouldcompletethis section.
amending a registration StatementWhentheinformationreportedontheregistrationstatementchangesaftertheinitialfiling,thestatementmustbeamendedwithin10daysofthechange.Thebestprocedureistocompleteanewregistrationstatementandcheckthe“Yes”boxforanamendmentlocatednearthetopoftheform.Anyamendmentstotheoriginalcampaignregistrationstatementmaybesignedbythetreasurer,thecandidate,orthepersonwhosucceedstothepositionoftreasurer,ifthetreasurerisreplaced.
Penalty for not filing a Registration Statement Failuretofiletheoriginalregistrationstatementbythedeadlineforfilingnominationpaperspreventsacandidate’snamefromappearingontheballot.Iftheregistrationstatementoramendmentisnotfiledbeforeengagingincampaignactivity,theregistrantmaybesubjecttoafine.
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As you consider running for public elected office, know that efforts are underway to create an atmosphere in our community that stresses civil discourse. By elevating our levelofcommunicationandavoidingpersonalattacksandgeneralstubbornness,wecanavoidunhealthydebate.Thiswillleadtoamoreeffectivedemocracy,andhelpmaintainour sense of community by increasing civic participation.
Speak Your Peace, citizen-led campaign urges residents of the south Wood County area to communicate in a respectful and effective way. It is not a campaign to end disagreements. It is a campaign to improve public discourse using nine “Tools of Civility” to foster effective communication.
Nine Tools of Civility
1. Pay AttentionBe aware and attend to the world and the people around you.❏ Be informed about what is occurring in our community❏ Focus on the issue - on what the person is saying❏ Considerthewholepicture;issuesareconnected❏ Openyourmindtonewperspectives;striveforobjectivity
2. ListenFocus on others in order to better understand their points of view.❏ Seektounderstand;hearwhatissaid❏ Ask effective questions❏ Respect the person and his/her view through your words and body language❏ Givethoughtfulattention;avoiddistractionssuchas:youremotion,multi-tasking,orformulatinga response instead of listening
3. Be InclusiveWelcome all groups of citizens working for the greater good of the community.❏ Knowthecommunitysysteminordertobeinclusive(social,economic,environmental,technical,etc.)❏ Intentionally and sincerely invite diverse perspectives❏ Seekparticipation;takeresponsibility;includeyourself!❏ Usecommonlanguage;avoidjargon
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4. Don’t GossipAnd don’t accept when others choose to do so.❏ Gotothesourceforthefacts;validatetheinformation❏ Communicatewithrespectandapositiveintent;ownwhatyousay;beaccountable❏ Modelintegrityandmutualrespect;setagoodexampleforothers❏ Honor those who are not present
5. Show RespectHonor other people and their opinions, especially in the midst of a disagreement.❏ Valuetheperson;appreciatehis/hercontributions,experiences,passion,culture,normsandvalues❏ Usequestionstoclarify❏ Valueideasthatarebroughttothetable❏ Demonstrate positive body language
6. Seek Common GroundLook for opportunities to agree; don’t contradict just to do so.❏ Riseaboveemotions;focusontheissues❏ Buildrelationships;makeaconnection❏ Work toward mutual trust
7. Repair Damaged RelationshipsBe sincere; apologize and forgive.❏ Take responsibility for your actions and words❏ Accept an apology❏ Practiceforgiveness;letgoofthepast
8. Use Constructive LanguageBe mindful of the words you choose.❏ Addressconflictwiththeintentofresolution❏ Whendisagreeing,sticktotheissues anddon’tmakeapersonalattack❏ Learnfromothers’perspectivesandfeedback
9. Take ResponsibilityPractice accountability in language and actions.❏ Takeownership;use“I”statements❏ Don’tshiftresponsibilityandblameontoothers❏ Be trustworthy❏ Tell the truth
To find out more, visit www.SpeakYourPeaceSWC.org.
Speak Your Peace. Owned by the community. Supported by Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County.
w w w . S p e a k Y o u r P e a c e S W C . o r g
It’s not what you say.
It’s how you say it.
Additional Thoughts and Resources
If you decide not to run, there are many other ways to get involved.
• Mostpeopledon’tthinktorunforelectedofficeuntiltheyareaskedtorun.Findagreat candidate and help them get elected. • Getinvolvedinalocalgovernmentcommittee. • Makeacampaigncontribution. • Getinvolvedwithapoliticalparty. • Getinformedontheissuesandshareyourthoughtsandfeelingwithyourlocal electedofficial. • VOTE!
Web Links:
Wisconsin Government Accountability Board:http://elections.state.wi.usUW Extension – Local Government Center:http://www.uwex.edu/lgcWisconsin League of Women Voters:http://www.lwvwi.orgWisconsin Counties Association:http://www.wicounties.orgWisconsin Towns Association:http://www.wisctowns.comLeague of Wisconsin Municipalities:http://www.lwminfoorgWisconsin State Statutes:http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.htmlWisconsin Vote:http://wisconsinvote.orgWisconsin Municipal Clerks Association:http://www.wisclerks.org
Books:
How to Run for Local Office: A Complete Guide for Winning a Local Election, ByRobertJ.Thomas,Westland,Michigan,QualityBooks,Inc.,1999.
TheauthorwasthemayorofWestlandMichigan,acityof85,000.Itisgearedforlargerscalecampaigns,butitdoescontaingoodinformationaboutimportantthingstoconsiderwhendecidingwhetherornottorunforoffice.Thebookisavailablethroughlocallibraryloan.
Session Sponsors:
• Wood County UW-Extension Office -Phone:715.421.8440; Website:http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/wood/index.html • League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Rapids Area - Website:www.lwvwra.org • Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County - Phone:715.423.3863;Website:www.cfswc.org
