One of the greatest barriers to entry in the civic landscape is a misunderstanding of what is expected of a candidate for public office, and what is required of one. The main difference between the two is that what is expected can be well-established, coached and learned along the way, while what is required only represents baseline criteria for candidacy. Here's the truth: you most likely meet the requirements to run for office. If more leadership-oriented Georgians understood this, more potential leaders might step up to the plate. It's our job to make sure the people know that anyone can represent their community.
Like all things, campaigning for office is subject to stigma supported by a history of
repeated practices and public perception. However, we cannot allow these things to
take our eyes off of the goal – especially because they don’t represent the facts
about getting your name on the ballot.
Candidates need to have a college degree, or else they won't qualify to run for office.
The TruthAll public offices require candidates to have a history of legal practice.
The TruthCandidates need to be wealthy to finance their campaign, or they risk being outclassed by competition.
The TruthCandidates for public office need to have a "spotless past" or else no one will vote for them.
The TruthNew candidates need to respect the administrative hierarchy and "wait their turn" to run for office.
The TruthYounger candidates aren't trustworthy and need to be past a certain age to gain support for public office.
The TruthCandidates have to look or dress a certain way to be taken seriously as potential leaders.
The TruthIf you want to get elected, you have to know everything about running for office, because the competition probably does. .
The TruthCandidates do not need to have a college degree to run for public office. While it strengthens a candidate's resume for any position, the only thing you need to have is a forward-thinking mindset and a genuine desire to serve your community.
While certain seats within the justice system require both a history and certifications in legal practice, other offices do not. Knowledge of the law as it pertains to a candidate's vision for their community is a necessary part of communicating solutions to issues, but a background practicing law is not a requirement.
Wealth is by no means a requirement for a campaign. There are many ways to secure funding for a campaign for public office, as well as strategies for campaigning on a certain budget. Historically, many successful political candidates are wealthy, but many communities recognize this as an issue in representation in and of itself.
What communities value in an elected official is honesty and authenticity. Issues in a personal background does not disqualify a candidate from the ballot any more than it disqualifies a person from a job position. What matters is whether or not a candidate is qualified to be of service in their intended position.
Elected offices are not inherited. There is no specific time frame required for a candidate to wait before they take office, nor are there competitors that have earned the position by simply biding their time. Your platform, your message, the problems you want to solve, and your ability to communicate those elements and generate support are far more important than who is "next in line."
Candidates only need to be confident in their role as leaders, and be strong enough to communicate with both their peers and their elders. Being of a certain age is not as important as making sure all ages in the community feel supported and have their voices heard.
The way a candidate presents themselves is only a matter of their personal values and those of the community they represent, and has no restrictions. Running for office does not have a dress code. A candidate's presentation is only a factor of how best to maintain trust in the perception of the people.
No candidate knows everything about campaigning, nor is it needed for a campaign. What is needed is a diversified team that, with combined resources, provides a candidate with the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve. Candidates don't need to know everything -- they need to be willing to ask for help when they need it.
