Running for office in New Jersey is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community. Whether you’re seeking a local, state, or federal position, this guide outlines the necessary steps and considerations for a successful campaign.

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Step 1: Decide Which Office to Run For

New Jersey offers various offices at different levels of government:

1. Local Government:
   • Mayor, City Council, County Freeholder (renamed “County Commissioner”), School Board, etc.
2. State Government:
   • New Jersey State Assembly, State Senate, Governor, etc.
3. Federal Government:
   • U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, etc.

Key Considerations:

• What issues are you passionate about?
• What qualifications or experiences align with the office’s responsibilities?
• How much time and resources can you commit?

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Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements

General Eligibility

• Residency: Must reside in the district you wish to represent (Not for Congress).
• Age: Age requirements vary by office (e.g., at least 30 for Governor).
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Voting Rights: Must be a registered voter in New Jersey.

Specific Eligibility

• Check the New Jersey Division of Elections for specific office requirements.

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Step 3: Register as a Candidate

Choose a Political Affiliation

• Most candidates run as members of a political party, but independent and non-partisan runs are also possible. Non-partisen elections in New Jersey take place in May.

File Your Candidacy

1. Obtain the necessary nomination petitions from the New Jersey Division of Elections or your local election office.
2. Collect the required number of valid signatures:
   • Varies depending on the office (e.g., 100-200 for local offices, several thousand for statewide positions).
3. Submit petitions to the appropriate authority by the deadline (typically in the spring for November elections).

Pay Filing Fees

• Fees vary by office. For example, gubernatorial candidates pay a higher fee than municipal candidates.

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Step 4: Build Your Campaign Team

1. Campaign Manager: Oversees day-to-day operations.
2. Treasurer: Manages finances and ensures compliance with New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) regulations.
3. Communications Director: Handles messaging and media outreach.
4. Volunteers: Assist with canvassing, phone banking, and event planning.

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Step 5: Develop Your Campaign Strategy

1. Platform: Define your stance on key issues.
2. Messaging: Craft a compelling narrative about why you’re running and how you’ll serve your constituents.
3. Target Voters: Use voter registration data to identify your base and undecided voters.
4. Fundraising: Host events, reach out to donors, and leverage online platforms.

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Step 6: Adhere to Campaign Finance Laws

Register with ELEC

• File as a candidate with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) within 10 days of receiving contributions or spending funds.

Track Contributions and Expenses

• Maintain detailed records of all campaign finances.
• File required reports on time (e.g., quarterly and pre-election reports).

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Step 7: Engage with Voters

Attend Events

• Town halls, community forums, and debates are opportunities to connect with constituents.

Canvass

• Knock on doors, make phone calls, and engage directly with voters.

Use Social Media

• Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are cost-effective tools for reaching voters.

Leverage Local Media

• Submit op-eds, letters to the editor, and press releases to local newspapers.

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Step 8: Prepare for Election Day

1. Get Out the Vote (GOTV): Mobilize your supporters to ensure high turnout.
2. Monitor Polling Places: Have poll watchers to ensure a fair process.
3. Ensure Compliance: Follow all rules regarding campaign activities near polling places.

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Step 9: Post-Election Follow-Up

• If you win, transition into your new role by assembling a team and setting up your office.
• If you lose, evaluate your campaign, maintain relationships with supporters, and consider future runs.

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Key Deadlines for 2025

Check with the New Jersey Division of Elections for specific dates, including:

1. Filing deadlines for nomination petitions.
2. Voter registration deadlines.
3. Early voting and Election Day schedules.

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Resources

1. New Jersey Division of Elections: https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/
2. ELEC Compliance Guides: https://www.elec.state.nj.us/
3. League of Women Voters of New Jersey: https://www.lwvnj.org/

Good luck with your campaign!