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Running for Office

    Home Running for Office

    SO, SHOULD YOU RUN FOR OFFICE?

    There are a number of reasons people run for local office.  Some run because they are inspired by a desire to contribute to their communities.  Others are motivated by dissatisfaction with an incumbent, believing they could do a better job.  Some are recruited by well-intended friends, neighbors or colleagues.  Then there are those who area drive to seek office for a single burning issue.

    Whatever the reason, potential candidates are advised to carefully appraise both themselves and the political climate they would enter.

    Personal strengths and weaknesses:  Why run for this particular office? What is your families attitude toward your candidacy?  Is your self-confidence strong enough to take public and/or personal criticism?  To what extent are you prepared to work on a broad range of topics and issues?

    The Office: Is this the correct office for you to fun for? What fundamental rewards does the office offer? Does this office have the potential to influence the kinds of changes you want to see?  What time commitment will be necessary if you are elected?

    The Campaign: How many days are there until Election Day?  How much time will you have to campaign? How much time can your core supporters give?  What are the fundraising traditions in the community?  How much money will I need? What are the potential sources of contributions?

    The Opposition:  How many opponents are there likely to be? Is the incumbent running? What are the personal and political strengths/weaknesses of each candidate?  Have any of the opponents made a previous race and what were their campaign tactics?

    Legal Requirements:  What are the applicable election laws?  (For example: filing, finance, legal deadlines, dates)

    Opinion Influencers:  What local issues have provoked local debate or citizen reaction lately?  What issues surround this particular office?  What other races or issues will be on the ballot? Who really influences decisions in the community?  What are the influential organizations?  What are the community media outlets?

    Conflict of Interest:  Do you have a financial conflict of interest? Are you willing to give up revenue that you may otherwise earn from selling products/services to the city/county/school?

    If your appraisal leads to a decision to run for office, the process you’ve considered will provide the basis for your campaign plan.

    If you decide not to run, there are a lot of other ways to get involved:

    1.  Find a great candidate and help them get elected
    2.  Get involved in a local government committee or commission
    3.  Make a campaign contribution
    4.  Get involved in a political party
    5.  Get informed on the issues.  Share your thoughts and feelings withe the candidates for office – AND your local elected officials
    6.  VOTE

    Candidate Filing Periods

    2022 Minnesota Campaign Manual

    City of Owatonna Precinct Map

    2022 Election Information

    What’s On My Ballot

    School Board Member Elections

    Minnesota Secretary of State Resource Page

    Use the Minnesota Polling Place Finder to search for your polling place, districts in your precinct, and candidates on your ballot.

    For additional information about Running for office, contact Brad Meier, President/CEO at 451-7970 or bmeier@owatonna.org

    ABOUT

    Our Chamber has approximately 530 members that invest their resources, employee volunteerism and confidence in the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and the business community.

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    CONTACT US

    Address
    Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

    320 Hoffman Dr.
    Owatonna, MN 55060

    Email
    oacct@owatonna.org

    Phone
    507-451-7970

    Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism | All Rights Reserved © 2019 | Log In
    • ABOUT
      • Mission
      • Chamber Team
      • Board of Directors
      • About Owatonna
      • MainStreet
      • Contact Us
    • MEMBERS
      • Join Now
      • Benefits
      • Market Your Business
      • Member Login
      • Chamber Gift Certificates
      • FAQs
      • Business Directory
      • Business Resources
      • Chamber Events
      • Committees/Volunteer Opportunities
    • ADVOCACY
      • Legislative Agenda
      • Government Officials
    • EVENTS & PROGRAMS
      • Chamber Events
      • Business After Hours
      • Business Boot Camp
      • Annual Dinner
      • Golf
      • Young Professionals
      • Grow Minnesota!
      • Owatonna Community Leadership Academy
    • LIVING HERE
      • Area Churches
      • Chamber Gift Certificates
      • Community Calendar
      • Downtown Parking Restrictions
      • Landlord & Tenants Handbook
      • New Resident information
      • Owatonna Chamber Foundation
      • Request a Visitor’s Guide
      • Rental Information
      • Visit Owatonna
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      • In the News
      • Business Brief
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    Owatonna Area Chamber Of Commerce & Tourism