Chapter 13 – State Elections & Campaigning
13.11 Running for Office: A Civic Engagement Opportunity
If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in your community, running for office in Ohio is a great way to get involved. Whether you’re interested in state or local government, the process to get on the ballot and run for office can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you understand what’s required and how you can take the first steps toward becoming a candidate.
First, it’s important to know the basic requirements for running for office in Ohio. These can vary depending on the office you are seeking. Generally, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a qualified elector residing in the area you wish to represent. This means you need to have lived in the district, city, ward, or township for at least one year before the election.
- Most offices have a minimum age requirement. For example, to run for the Ohio General Assembly, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Some offices may have additional qualifications, such as specific training or professional experience.
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to file your candidacy. This involves several key steps:
- Decide if you will run as a major party candidate, a minor party candidate, or an independent candidate. Each type has different requirements for signatures and filing.
- You need to gather a certain number of signatures from registered voters in your district. The required number varies by office. For example, major party candidates for the State House typically need 50 signatures. Candidates running for mayor should expect to collect between 100 and 3,000 signatures, depending on the size of the city. School board requirements also vary based on population size, with candidates generally needing to collect between 25 and 300 signatures.
- You must submit your nomination petitions and other required documents to the appropriate election office by the specified deadline. This includes a filing fee, which varies depending on the office. For example, the fee to run for the Ohio General Assembly is $85.
In addition to filing for candidacy, you will need to comply with campaign finance laws. When you file your candidacy, you will receive materials about campaign finance compliance and reporting requirements. This includes keeping track of donations and expenditures and filing regular reports with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. Make sure to review the campaign finance rules and reporting deadlines to stay in compliance.
Running for office is a significant way to contribute to your community and participate in the democratic process. It requires commitment, but it can be incredibly rewarding. By following these steps and staying informed about the requirements and deadlines, you can take the first steps toward making a difference in Ohio’s government.
For more detailed information, consult the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and review the 2024 Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide for the most up-to-date guidelines and forms.
Reference
Ohio Secretary of State. 2024. Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide Columbus, OH.
