<aside> 📢 This checklist breaks down running a successful campaign into the three major categories: 1. Set Up, 2. Fundraising, and 3. Outreach. These are just the basics of running for office to give you a foundation of what a strong campaign looks like. Throughout the checklist, you’ll find links to help you navigate the resources in the candidate toolkit and make sure your campaign is off to a good start.
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This first stage lays the groundwork for the rest of your campaign. It is crucial that these steps are completed accurately to avoid bumps down the road!
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Research the seat you are filing for
- Use this tool to research the seat you are filing for and the district where you are planning to run.
- Know the demographics, voter breakdown, district boundaries, and key issues
Research the requirements to file for this office
- Use this tool to research the requirements to file for your office
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For further steps to take as you prepare to file for office check out Before You File.
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Communication
- Complete the FDP Run for Office Form to receive the FDP’s bi-weekly candidate newsletter.
- Sign up for the FDP Chair’s Newsletter
- Email [email protected] to be added to the weekly talking points from FDP’s communications team.
- Connect with your local Democratic Executive Committee.
Trainings
- Sign up for and attend Candidate Trainings from FDP and our partner organizations.
- Sign up for NDTC’s on demand, multi-part, anytime Launch Your Political Campaign training.
- Sign up for and attend the FDP’s monthly All Candidates call
1. Appoint a campaign treasurer
- To learn more about campaign treasurers visit General Financial Compliance
2. Complete the filing paperwork
Federal (US Senate or Congress): File with the FEC
State Level (Governor, Cabinet, or State Legislature): File with the Division of Elections
County Level (County Commission, School Board): File with your Supervisor of Elections
Local/Municipal Level: File with the appropriate qualifying officer, either City Clerk or Supervisor of Elections
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For more information about filing for Federal Office check out Federal Candidates: Filing For Office
For more information about filing for Non-Federal office check out Non-Federal Candidates: Filing for Office
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3. Open a campaign bank account
- For a step by step instructional guide on opening a bank account click HERE
4. Announce your candidacy
- Once you have completed your filing paper work it’s time to annouce your candidacy! For information to help guide you through the announcment process check out Announcing Your Candidacy
Creating digital campaign platforms
- Create social media accounts for campaign (Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, etc.)
- Build a campaign website
- Designate a campaign email
Build your campaign budget
- Check out Finance to view budget building templates
Financial Compliance
- Federal Candidates: check out Federal Candidates: Financial Compliance
- Non-Federal Candidates: check out Non-Federal Candidates: Financial Compliance
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By Florida law, campaigns are required to disclose detailed financial records of campaign contributions and expenditures. These financial records are reported quarterly and filing late will result in fees! To view the reporting deadlines check out the calendar on the Meetings page!
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Research the qualification requirements and qualifying deadline for your office and make a plan to qualify.
- Candidates for Federal and Non-Federal Office may Qualify by Petition or by paying a fee.
- Federal qualification information, requirements, and deadlines check out Federal Candidates: Qualifying for the Ballot
- Non-Federal qualification information, requirements, and deadlines check out Non-Federal Candidates: Qualifying for the Ballot