How to get elected to a local party office

Thinking about tossing your hat in the ring and running for a party office?  If you want to have an even greater impact on the things you care about, serving in a party office is another great opportunity to do exactly that.

But you need keep a few things in mind...

Political parties tend to promote from within

Whether you’re seeking to become chairman of your favorite service club or you want to rise in the political arena, the best way to do so is the time-honored method of “paying your dues”.  People have greater trust and respect for those that they have seen working and sacrificing for the cause for long periods of time.

You need to go to meetings

Begin by showing up for local party meetings, letting those who are there know that you are sincere about wanting to get involved.  Given how few people actually get involved, they’ll likely be surprised, and they’re sure to appreciate it.  Few people are willing to spend the time and energy it takes to rise through the ranks.  Those that do are successful in the long run.

Don't hesitate to pay your dues

While it’s true that some people manage to “leap-frog” ahead of others in the political process without paying any dues, more often than not such and approach will result in hurt feelings or send signals of danger to the longtime members.  Don’t challenge the existing leadership right away, or be in a rush to get all of your concerns on the agenda.  That’s a quick way to be labeled an “outsider” and isolate yourself from others who may have been inclined to work with you.  Take your time.  Study the structure and procedures of the party organization and earn your way. 

Of course, none of this is to say that, if necessary, you can't "storm the castle", but it requires a lot of work and organization...and a lot of friends willing to work with you.  And after it's over, if you win, you'll probably have to deal with the people that you took the "castle" from.  Just keep that in mind.

That aside, if you follow these simple tips you should find plenty of support.