How to Canvas Your Community: A First-Time Candidate’s Guide

Going door to door to get out the vote

You knock on your first door as a school board candidate. Your hands shake a little. What seemed simple in theory feels different now. A parent answers. You introduce yourself and ask about their biggest concern for the school district. They invite you in for coffee and spend an hour talking about their daughter’s learning […]

Building a Donor Base: First-Time Candidate’s Fundraising Guide

Email marketing. Sending bulk emails to promote products or services.

You’ve decided to run for city council. You have strong ideas, community support, and genuine passion for solving local problems. Then reality hits: campaigns cost money. Filing fees, website hosting, yard signs, mailers, event costs. Even a modest local campaign can require several thousand dollars. The thought of asking people for money makes your stomach […]

Campaign Finance Reporting Rules for Michigan Candidates in 2026

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Running for office in Michigan means understanding campaign finance reporting requirements. Michigan law establishes clear rules for fundraising, spending, and disclosure. These requirements exist to maintain transparency and accountability in local elections. This guide covers the essential reporting obligations for Michigan candidates in 2026. Register Your Committee Michigan law requires you to form a candidate […]