Running a successful election campaign involves both art and science
Meet the requirements
- Be a registered voter
- Be a member of the Libertarian Party of Illinois (Join Us!)
- Meet the requirements of the office
- Be willing to serve if elected
Choose the office
There are hundreds of offices to choose from. We recommend starting with the list of offices to find one. We recommend starting by running for local offices within your town or county. The experience you gain and the contacts you make will be invaluable for future runs at larger offices. However, we need libertarians on the ballot at every level to help the Party gain recognition and status, so any office you are interested in is a good one.
Get on the ballot
Candidate forms and petition signatures are generally required to get on the ballot. The number of signatures varies by office. Contact us, the State Board of Elections (SBE), or your local County Clerk for details. The Candidates Guide on the SBE website contains signature requirements for all offices above the County level. If you decide to collect petition signatures, please contact us so we can coordinate our efforts.
Determine your level of activity
Some Libertarians run active campaigns with the intent to win, while others become “paper candidates,” putting their names on the ballot to promote the Party and allow people to vote for liberty.
Whichever path you choose, we ask that you:
- Return media calls promptly to get publicity for you and the libertarian viewpoint.
- Have a quality photo and a succinct answer to “Why are you running for this office?” prepared.
- Answer questionnaires from political and community groups to win endorsements.
- Attend candidate forums or respond with regrets if you cannot attend.
- Comply with contribution filing requirements and campaign ethics rules.
Persuade Voters
To win votes, people must know, like, and trust you. Every communication should further these goals. Remember, a political campaign is about the people in your district, not just libertarian philosophy. Focus on solving their problems, addressing their concerns, and easing their worries. Consider focusing on 2 or 3 key issues important to the average person.
Above all, have fun! This is your chance to talk to people, share libertarian solutions, and make a difference in our society.
For More Information
There are many resources available to help you run an effective campaign. Contact us if you are ready to sign up or want to learn more. Please note that while LP Illinois can assist you with your campaign, we do not manage or fund campaigns.
Ready to Run?
Fill out and send this downloadable Candidate Interest Form to campaigns@lpillinois.org.