New Era Colorado is a non-profit organization reinventing politics for our generation through innovative social and political action.



How to Run for Office
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So, ya wanna get elected, eh? Here's the dilly yo. Follow these easy steps and you'll be holding a gavel in your hand in no time (...sorta).








1. Turn 25.

...At least if you want to run for State Rep or State Senate. We’re working on this one. The Legislature heard a bill that would lower the minimum age requirement to 18 for these offices. Keep checking New Era Colorado’s homepage for updates and current news on election reform. For local offices, check with your city or county for specific age requirements.

2. Sell Your Soul To A Political Party.

Ok, doesn't need to be that significant of a decision. Are you a Dem? A Republican? Neither? No big deal either way (unless you have a conscience...). But depending on which party, or lack thereof, you are bonded with, you will need to decide if you are going to run as an indie or affiliated with a major or minor party.

3. Pick Up Your Packet

Packets are available free of charge at the Secretary of State’s Office. These packets will provide all information and forms that will be needed to run for state office. (Packets make things easier, we always say)

4. File your intent

  • If you want to run for a municipal office, see your City Clerk in your town
  • If you wan to run for a county office, see your County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
  • If you want to run for a state level office, see the Secretary of State’s Office
  • If you want to run for a Federal Office, be sure to also check with the Federal Election Commission for their filing requirements. (and be ready for some mud slinging your way...).

5. Get on the ballot

YOU HAVE 4 WAYS TO GET ON THE BALLOT;
YOU CAN BE:

  • A political party candidate by nomination

    If you are seeking a major party’s nomination, you will need 30% of their votes and be affiliated for at least 12 months.
    If you are seeking a minor party’s nomination, you cannot be affiliated with one of the major parties in the last 12 months.

  • A political party candidate by petition

    Depending on which office, you’ll need somewhere between 400 – 1000 signatures Your signatures can only be from registered voters that have been affiliated with that party for at least 12 months

  • Unaffiliated candidate by petition

    Depending on which office, you’ll need somewhere between 400 – 1000 signatures

  • Write in

    File an affidavit with the Secretary of State.

6. Get out the vote!

Now that you're on the ballot you need to get the votes. How ya gonna do it? TV ads, radio ads, canvassing, town halls, hot air balloons...you name it. If you think you are running for an office that NEC would support, drop us a line. We'd be able to arrange some trainings, meetings and what-have-you to help you out along the way.


For all current positions, qualification requirements, forms and other information on running for office in Colorado, visit the official State of Colorado site