Candidate Resources – Waldo County Democratic Committee

Are you just starting to explore the idea of running for elected office? Or have you already made up your mind and launched a campaign? Either way, the resources on this page are for you!

Need help deciding whether to run?

Running for office is a big decision! Here are some resources to help you figure it out.

Check out So You Think You Want To Run, an online short course from the National Democratic Training Committee
Talk to current elected officials – find their contact info here
Download our list of elected offices in Waldo County
Find out where there are openings this year from WCDC by emailing info@waldocountydemocrats.com
Talk to Dan Lord, Maine Dems’ Local Organizing Director (dlord@mainedems.org, 207-622-6233)

Want to learn more and build your campaign skills?

There are lots of free and low-cost training and support available for candidates and prospective candidates. Explore some of these options.

Attend one of the Run Local sessions held by the Maine Dems ()
Connect with the House Democratic Campaign Committee or Senate Democratic Campaign Committee
Look into trainings for women candidates offered by Emerge Maine
Join a conference call hosted by Run for Something, an organization dedicated to recruiting and supporting young, progressive candidates, where you can learn how they can help
Scan the wide range of free courses offered by National Democratic Training Committee for candidates and campaign volunteers
Look into the training collaborative at Dirtroad Organizing, a nonpartisan organization founded by former Maine Senator Chloe Maxmin

Ready to get on the ballot?

Different offices have different requirements to get your name on the ballot. Use these resources to make sure you do it right.

For municipal offices and school board positions, check with your town office (which you can find at www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/munic.html)
For offices at the county-level, in the State Legislature, or Congress:
- Consult the Secretary of State’s Candidates Procedures, Forms & Reporting webpage
- Get a copy of this year’s Candidate’s Guide to Ballot Access
Make sure you can answer these questions:
- What are the qualifications for the office? (such as age and residency)
- When is the election?
- How many signatures are needed on your nominating petition?
- When are nominating petitions due?
- Who can sign your petition?
Check with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices to find out what reporting requirements apply to your race.
Looking at a run for the Maine Legislature? Learn all about Maine Clean Elections, a public campaign financing program that makes running for the legislature actually affordable.

Looking for help on the campaign trail?

Here are some of the ways Waldo County Democrats can help you win!

Recruit volunteers for your campaign from our database with more than two hundred people who want you to succeed
Provide a forum for you to meet voters at our events and meetings
Share your message through our local networks of members and friends and at our office in Belfast
Help you fundraise with a willing audience of generous local donors
Offer drop-in office space at our Belfast HQ with fast internet, a good printer, and room for small meetings
Make recycled yard sign materials available at a very low cost