7 steps to writing an effective political candidacy statement

So you’re running for office. That’s fantastic! Congratulations on your commitment to serving the public!

It’s now time to introduce yourself to your future constituents.

It doesn’t matter if you’re running for something small-ish like Town Meeting – to Select Board – to State Senate – you want to make sure people have an idea of what you’re all about.

Before you announce your political campaign, you should already have a plan for how you will run your campaign. This is especially important for Town-Wide candidates. You will also need to have your fundraising and spending budget in place.

Step 1: Why are you running for office?

You may want to move on to Step 2 first because determining the key issues may help to make it clearer for you why you’re running.

Consider this and write down why you’re running for office.

Step 2: Determine your positions on key issues

Determine the key issues affecting your potential constituents. You might want to go back and review Milton Scene articles about Select Board meetings, and join Milton Neighbors to check out current Town chatter.

Consider the top key issues (for example: development, school overcrowding, etc.)

• What is the most important issue for you as a candidate?
• What are your positions on each key issue?
• Do you know and can you compare your opponent’s position on each key issue?
• Take a moment and write down the issues, your positions, and any messaging and talking points that are important to you.

Step 3: What relevant experience do you have?

Do you have any relevant experience (board membership, other positions, professional experience and skills) that will help you in your new position? Write this down.

Step 4: Be specific about your positions and what you offer as a candidate

People want to know why to vote for you. If you only include general and accepted (a.k.a. boring and uninspiring) language, you’re not setting yourself apart.

Don’t be afraid to take a stand. This is what inspires people to vote for you!

Step 5: Add some personality

• What else do you want people to know about you?
• What are you like as a person?
• How long have you lived in town?
• Any hobbies or sports you’d like to mention?

Step 6: Include a good photo!

You might include a headshot or a photo of you with your family – your choice… but it’s of primary importance for people to be able to connect a face with a name.

Step 7: Submit your announcement to The Milton Scene today!

• Please send your announcement  in Microsoft Word or within the body of your email.
• Please do not send flyers or PDFs.
• Please do not format your content with different fonts, etc. We will be formatting your content to fit The Milton Scene template.
• When referencing event times, please use this style: Feb. 4, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• We recommend 400 words or less.
• Free courtesy announcement date, placement, etc. cannot be reserved.
• Please email your submission to [email protected].
• Submissions sent after the deadline will not be published.

Photos and images:

• Please send your writing and images in separate files (do not embed an image in a PDF or Microsoft Word page).
• The standard size that we use is 777 x 437 px. JPG or PNG file formats preferred.

As a courtesy to public servants, The Milton Scene accepts political candidacy announcements for local elections.

Don’t like writing?

Fill out our handy Candidate Questionnaire and we’ll put together a candidacy statement for you.

Remember:

No independently-posted candidacy announcements are permitted in the Milton Neighbors Facebook group.

Announcements must be submitted via The Milton Scene. This is to ensure fairness for all candidates.

Candidacy announcements are due to The Milton Scene 10 days prior to Election Day.

Candidacy announcements received after the due date will not be posted on The Milton Scene or in Milton Neighbors.

Good luck!