I recently confirmed that a packet would be made available to all those wishing to run for office in League City. I went by City Hall today to pick it up. This packet must be 150 pages thick. Here's a quick run down on its contents:

• Application for Ballot by Mail (A5-14e2.IN2)
• Application for a Place on the City of _ General Election Ballot (AW2-15)
• Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (Form CTA)
• Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate, Form CTA Instruction Guide
• Amendment: Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (Form ACTA)
• Amendment: Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate, Form ACTA Instruction Guide
• Important Notes for Candidates Who Plan to Submit a Petition in Lieu of Filing Fees
• Certificate of Withdrawal (WPC43.FM)
• Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders Who File with Local Filing Authorities
• “SIGNS”, highlighted sections of League City Code of Ordinances, Section 90-73, 90-191, 90-30
• Political Advertising: What You Need to Know
• Code of Fair Campaign Practices (Form CFCP)
• Candidate / Officeholder Campaign Finance Report (Form C/OH), a multi-part form (3 copies)
• Candidate / Officeholder Campaign Finance Report, Form C/OH Instruction Guide
• Candidate / Officeholder Report of Unexpected Contributions (Form C/OH-UC)
• Candidate / Officeholder Report of Unexpected Contributions, Form C/OH-UC Instruction Guide
• Correction Affidavit for Candidate / Officeholder (Form COR-C/OH)
• Candidate / Officeholder Report: Designation of Final Report (Form C/OH-FR)
• Title 15, Election Code, Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns

While I'm not surprised by the heft of the packet that's supposed to be helpful, I can't help but think that this is far more complicated than it really should be. Most of the packet deals with accurately reporting campaign finances. Luckily, I don't plan on having any campaign finances. I won't be paying a filing fee. I won't be “campaigning” with signs or other advertisements. I won't be collecting contributions (what would I spend them on?). I won't be paying a staff. I won't be schmoozing for votes. I'm going to personally fill out the required papers, personally collect the required 25 voter signatures, personally get notary public signatures (I have access to one, no charge), and personally deliver everything by the due date.

My initial goal is to get on the ballot without spending any money or pledging allegiance to any party… just me, an eligible citizen, running for office. I just want to know that it can be done. Winning comes later…

The deadline to file is March 9th.

~~DISCUSSION~~