If you are considering running for office, I recommend starting with HerTerm. Their website provides a thorough walkthrough of key considerations before deciding to run for office, including an outline of the steps to qualify—some with helpful videos. They emphasize the importance of identifying your “why,” which will be a recurring theme throughout your campaign training journey.

HerTerm's guidance focuses on state-level elections and higher offices. Here, we aim to include more specific guidance for candidates filing within Columbia County, including the cities of Grovetown and Harlem. Since this is Local Blue’s first election cycle compiling this information, we welcome any feedback on errors or additions that could make this a more effective resource.

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Initial steps to Qualifying

Local Blue is passionate about connecting local candidates with volunteers and providing guidance to help you navigate your campaign. While we rely on outside organizations for formal training, we’re here to point you in the right direction. Below, general outline of the next major steps of the campaign process along with valuable resources. If you let us be part of your journey, we’ll gladly help you prioritize what matters most at each stage.

Campaign Planning

Setting campaign goals
Assembling a campaign team
Developing a campaign strategy
Creating a campaign timeline
Budgeting & financial planning

For smaller campaigns, creating a campaign plan may not always seem necessary, but I highly recommend it. A well-structured plan sets clear goals, outlines key steps, and keeps your campaign focused. There are templates available to guide you through this process, ensuring you cover essential components like your “why”—the reason you’re running for office.

You’ll also want to determine your win number—the number of votes needed to win your race. However, winning isn’t always about securing the seat. In our county, a Local Blue victory includes increasing Democratic turnout year over year, building long-term infrastructure, and encouraging more Democratic candidates to run in future cycles. Having a plan helps you stay organized and prepares you for every step of this journey.

Fundraising is a critical part of any campaign, and training opportunities are available to help you develop these skills. I highly recommend subscribing to the Georgia Rural Caucus—they offer valuable Democratic training multiple times a month.

Rural Council Georgia Outline_edited_edi

If you come across FEC donor research training, take it! Learning how to identify potential donors using public data is an invaluable skill. There are also tools like DonorAtlas, which consolidates donor data to make targeting easier. Some tools are free, while others require an investment, so weigh your options carefully.

A fundamental fundraising strategy is building your Rolodex and Call Time which reaching out to everyone you know, sharing that you’re running, and asking for support. Making direct fundraising calls. It’s not always fun, but it’s one of the most effective ways to raise money.

Fundraising

Fundraising strategies
Donor outreach and management
Fundraising events
Online fundraising techniques
Compliance with campaign finance regulations

Outreach &
Engagement

Developing a campaign message
Social media management
Advertising strategies
Canvassing techniques
Phone banking
Mass text messaging
Organizing campaign events

Your outreach strategy will evolve throughout your campaign. Early on, focus on building your team, creating an online presence, and connecting with local organizations. One of the most important steps you can take is attending local Democratic Party meetings. These groups want to support candidates, but engagement should start early. It feels inauthentic to show up only when you need donations or volunteers—invest in relationships from the start.

You’ll also need to decide what voter outreach tools to use. VAN/VoteBuilder is the standard voter database for Democrats, but it can be costly. There are alternative, more affordable ways to access voter information—explore what fits your budget and campaign needs. Building a strong network will make your outreach more effective as you move forward.

Education &
Compliance

Campaign finance management
Legal and ethical considerations
Understanding election laws and regulations
Voter data and analytics
Public speaking and debate preparation

Understanding campaign finance laws is crucial. You’ll need to file the proper paperwork and comply with state and federal regulations. You can find all relevant guidelines through Georgia’s Ethics Commission and national resources like the Federal Elections Commission.

Beyond finance, take time to educate yourself on key issues affecting your community. Knowing what matters most to voters will help you craft a compelling message and connect authentically with your audience.

Building Your
Network

We hope Local Blue will be a key resource in helping you build meaningful connections in Columbia County. As a new organization, we are actively growing throughout 2025 and 2026, and we look forward to supporting your campaign along the way. By working together, we can strengthen the Democratic presence in our community and create a sustainable network for future candidates.

Connecting with local organizations
Volunteer recruitment
Building coalitions and securing endorsements
Networking with community leaders

Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

GOTV strategies and tactics
Mobilizing supporters
Election day operations

In the final months leading up to Election Day, your focus will shift to mobilizing voters. This means executing your campaign plan, distributing yard signs, organizing canvassing efforts, and ensuring people know when and where to vote. Voter turnout is a challenge in non-presidential elections—many people don’t realize how important these races are. Your job is to make sure they do.

A strong GOTV effort can make all the difference in a close race. Having a solid plan in place early will ensure that when the final stretch arrives, you’re ready to turn out every possible supporter.