
Running for elected office is an excellent way to make a difference in your community. Here are some reasons why you should consider running for office and helpful resources such as a helpful toolkit.
Be A Decision Maker
Elected officials make decisions that directly affect our local communities. As an elected official, you can be at the table to make important decisions on - public transit, school quality, affordable housing, policing and public safety, sanitation, water quality, job training programs, how tax dollars are spent, and much more.
Be A Champion For Your Community
By running for office, you can speak out and make a difference on issues you are passionate about and are important to your community. Take on a new leadership role championing issues like environmental sustainability, public health, and job creation.
Take Your Leadership To The Next Level
There are many ways to be a leader, and you bring your own unique perspective to the campaign. We'd bet you're more capable to run for office than you think you are. While experience and skills in subjects related to the activities of a board or committee can be important, it is not always necessary to be an expert in order to be a good contributor. With many offices up for election this spring, there are many opportunities to serve your community.
Check with your local clerk to find out what offices are up for election in your community. Make the race competitive and let voters decide who would best represent them.
What To Consider
The Job - Consider whether you want to run for federal, state, or local office. Familiarize yourself with the scope of authority and role of the office you're interested in running for. Keep in mind what this office can and cannot do and make sure it is a good fit to make the change you're looking to make.
The Time Commitment - Local volunteers, appointees and elected officials often have other jobs and responsibilities. A candidate should weigh the balance between his or her qualifications and the demands of other commitments. A commitment to serve as a local official requires - attendance at meetings, committee work, time for research to become familiar with topics that are presented or discussed. It is also important that elected officials are accessible to members of the public.
Experience and Minimum Qualifications - Consider what experience you'd bring to the office and whether you think it would be a good fit. Also, make sure you meet the minimum qualifications to hold the office if elected. In general, in Wisconsin the minimum qualifications to hold an office are:
- United States Citizenship
- At least 18 years of age (or older for certain offices)
- Satisfy residency requirements for a specific office. Residency requirements vary for different offices.
- May not have been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless pardoned of the conviction.
How To Get On The Ballot
In order to get on the ballot, there are important forms to complete, nominations papers to circulate, and important deadlines to keep in mind. Find helpful checklists based on the office you want to run for and other important information on the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website.
For the Spring 2026 Election Cycle: Candidates have from Dec 1 through Jan 6, to file nomination papers, declarations of candidacy, and campaign registration statements with the filing officer.
For the Fall 2026 Election Cycle: Candidates have from April 15 through June 1, to file nomination papers, declarations of candidacy, and campaign registration statements with the filing officer.
Filing Officer Information
For Municipal Offices - The filing officer is the municipal clerk. With the exception of the City of Milwaukee, the filing officer is the Milwaukee City Election Commission. Find your municipal clerk's contact information here.
For County Offices - The filing officer is the county clerk. Find your county clerk's contact information here.
For State Offices - Register your campaign committee and submit a statement of economic interests with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Submit nomination papers and a declaration of candidacy to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission for more information.
Resources
Your state and local election officials are great people to talk to in order to get started with running for office. Find the Wisconsin Elections Commission's resources for candidates here. Contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission here. You can also find your municipal and county clerk information here.