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Candidate & Campaign Resources
How do I run for office?
It isn't difficult to run for office in Iowa, but there are many details to pay attention to.
Local elections typically take place during odd numbered years and partisan elections take place during even numbered years.
Filing for Local Elections (2023, 2025…)
Regular elections are held in odd-numbered years for School Board and City Councils. This page has more information about specific details for these local elections.
Topics (click to jump to that topic on the page):
Even-year Elections (2022, 2024…)
Regular elections are held in even-numbered years for Federal, State, and County offices. This page has more information about specific details for these larger elections.
Topics (click to jump to that topic on the page):
Place a Public Measure on the Ballot
There is a limit on what kinds of public measures can be put on a ballot in most cities in Iowa. Some measures can only be requested by petition, and some can only be called by the governing body.
| Turn in paperwork to the following places to request a public measure election: | |
|---|---|
| If you have a petition for... | File paperwork with... |
| County public measures | Board of Supervisors (for most measures) |
| City public measures | City Clerk |
| School public measures | School Board Secretary |
| Community College public measures | Community College Board Secretary |
Call the Auditor's Office (319-892-5300) if you don't know if a public measure can be put on a ballot or not.