How to Run for Local Township Office in 2025

Local township offices might not make national headlines, but they shape the everyday experiences of millions of Americans. From road maintenance to property tax administration, township officials keep communities running. If you're ready to serve your neighbors and bring fresh leadership to your hometown, running for a local township office could be the perfect place to start.

Whether you're running for local office for the first time or you’re a seasoned candidate, this guide will walk you through how township government works, what roles you can run for, and how to launch a winning campaign. 

What Is a Township?

The term “township” can mean different things depending on where you live. In many states, townships are official units of local government, often rural or suburban subdivisions of a county, with elected leaders and real responsibilities. In other places, “towns” serve a similar purpose, especially in New England.

These townships or towns provide essential local services, like:

• Road and bridge maintenance

• Property assessments and tax collection

• Local cemeteries and parks

• General assistance for low-income residents

• Zoning, planning, and public records

• Trash collection

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 16,000 organized town or township governments across 20 states. 

Types of Townships and Towns, Explained

Understanding the differences between towns and townships can be confusing, especially since naming conventions vary widely. 

Here's a simple breakdown:

• Civil Townships: Official units of local government with elected officials (like trustees or clerks). These are found mostly in the Midwest and operate under state law to provide services like road maintenance, recordkeeping, and emergency aid.

• Towns (New England): Function as full-service local governments. In states like Massachusetts and Vermont, towns often replace cities entirely and operate via town meetings or elected councils.

• Unorganized Townships: Areas designated as townships in name, but without formal government structures. These often fall under direct county control and are more common in remote or sparsely populated regions.

• Coextensive or Absorbed Townships: Some townships have been absorbed by cities, where the city takes over all township functions. These areas may still be called townships for statistical or legal purposes, but don’t have separate elected boards.

Each state structures its township system slightly differently: Some may have strong administrative powers, while others have a limited scope. Ultimately, your responsibilities and election process may vary depending on where you live.

LEARN MORE: Explore the different responsibilities of state and local governments. 

States with Official Township or Town Governments

Twenty states have township or similar forms of local government, including: 

• Midwest and Plains States (Townships): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 

• Northeast and New England States (Towns): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin

In states like Wisconsin and New York, these government units are officially called “towns” but serve township-like functions. In Minnesota, the terms town and township are used interchangeably. Some townships may have names and elected officials, but others exist only in name (unorganized townships) or have had their functions absorbed by cities.

What Local Township Offices Can You Run For?

Most township governments are made up of a board of trustees and a handful of independently elected positions. 

The most common elected township roles include:

• Township Supervisor: Often serves as the chief executive officer of the township. The supervisor may also act as the treasurer and manage township programs and budgets. (Learn how to run for township supervisor!)

• Township Clerk: The clerk maintains township records, handles meeting minutes, and may oversee local elections. This is a critical administrative role requiring attention to detail and a strong sense of public transparency.

• Township Treasurer: The treasurer manages township finances, like taxes, revenue collection, and disbursements. In some states, the treasurer's role is combined with that of the supervisor or clerk.

• Township Trustee: Trustees are part of the township board and vote on township budgets, contracts, and policy decisions. They act as a legislative check on the supervisor and help represent the needs of residents.

Depending on the state, you may also be able to run for township offices like assessor (who’s responsible for property valuation), highway commissioner (who handles road maintenance), or constable or justice of the peace.

LEARN MORE: See every elected office you can run for. 

Do Township Officials Get Paid?

Salaries for township officials vary widely. Many serve part-time or receive only a small stipend and may work another full-time job while in office. 

In larger townships or full-time roles, salaries can be higher. For example, some township trustees earn upwards of $60,000 per year, and treasurers in high-responsibility roles may earn more than $80,000. 

Although many township officials serve part-time, these roles still carry real influence, especially in communities with limited local government beyond the township level.

How to Run for Local Township Office

If you’re ready to step up and run for a local township job like trustee, clerk, or treasurer, here’s how to get started the right way.

Step #1: Research Your Township Government

Start by learning how your township operates. You can use your township’s website, attend a board meeting, or contact the clerk’s office to find a lot of information, like:

• What offices are elected

• When the next election is

• Whether seats are up for grabs this cycle

• What the filing requirements are

You can also use our election look-up tool to see what seats are up for grabs in your township. Some townships elect officials during spring elections, while others follow the general November cycle. Filing deadlines and requirements can vary dramatically by state.

LEARN MORE: Gear up for your campaign with these eight key things to know before running for local office. 

Step #2: Choose the Right Township Office to Run For

Once you understand how your township government operates, it’s time to decide which office is the best fit for you. Most townships elect a handful of key officials, and each role plays a unique part in how local services are delivered.

Start by reviewing the typical elected offices in your township, like treasurer, clerk, or trustee. Your township may also elect roles like highway commissioner, constable, or assessor. 

To figure out what role is right for you, consider:

• Your interests and skills: Are you detail-oriented and organized? The clerk role might suit you well. Do you have financial experience? Treasurer could be a natural fit. Want to weigh in on key decisions? Trustee is a great entry point.

• Community needs: Are there gaps in leadership? Positions with no incumbents or low visibility might offer an easier path and a chance to bring fresh ideas to the table.

• Time commitment: Most township positions are part-time, but meeting frequency and responsibilities vary. Talk to current or former officeholders to understand what’s involved.

• Eligibility: Some offices may have additional requirements, like residency duration, voter registration, or financial disclosures.

Uncontested races are a great opportunity when running for a local township office. In 2024, 74% of local races, including township elections, went uncontested. So, keep an eye out for uncontested races, because your voice could be the fresh leadership your community is looking for. 

LEARN MORE: Hear from recent winners how they succeeded in their local campaigns. 

Step #3: Understand the Filing Process

Filing paperwork may not be exciting, but it’s a crucial step to ensuring you can run legally and get on the ballot. 

You'll likely need to:

• File a declaration of candidacy

• Collect petition signatures from township voters

• Submit financial disclosure forms

• Pay a filing fee

Start early and double-check with your county or township election authority exactly what you need to submit. Missing a step or a deadline can disqualify you from the ballot.

Step #4: Plan Your Campaign

Once you’ve decided which office to run for and filed the necessary paperwork, it’s time to build a campaign that connects with voters, without burning you out or breaking the bank.

Start with a Clear Message

Your message doesn’t need to sound like a politician. In fact, it’s better if it doesn’t. Focus on what matters to your neighbors. What concerns do people have about township services? What ideas or values will guide your leadership?

Ask yourself:

• Why are you running?

• What do you want to improve, fix, or protect?

• How will your experience help your township move forward?

Keep your message simple, grounded, and focused on the community.

LEARN MORE: Learn how to craft a campaign message that works.

Build a Small, Focused Team

You don’t need a huge staff to run for township office, but help doesn’t hurt. Start with a few trusted friends or neighbors who can support your efforts, whether it’s knocking on doors, managing your Facebook page, or helping you stay on top of deadlines.

Think about who can help with:

• Digital outreach and basic social media posts

• Organizing small events or meet-and-greets

• Treasurer duties and campaign finance compliance

• Yard sign distribution and door-to-door conversations

LEARN MORE: See how to build a political campaign team to power you to victory. 

Budget for What Matters

Many township races are low-cost, but it’s still important to plan ahead so you can invest where it counts.

Common township campaign expenses include:

• Filing fees (often under $100)

• Flyers or mailers

• Yard signs or posters

• A basic campaign website or landing page

You don’t need a fancy setup, just a clear message, a consistent visual identity (like a simple logo or color scheme), and a way for voters to find you and learn more.

LEARN MORE: Understand how to fundraise effectively with our comprehensive guide. 

Meet Voters Where They Are

The most effective township campaigns are built on real conversations. These elections are usually low-turnout and close-knit, so every handshake, flyer, and one-on-one interaction matters.

Some ways you can reach your neighbors include:

• Door-to-door canvassing and introducing yourself

• Attending local events and township meetings

• Sharing updates on social media or via email

• Dropping off flyers at community centers, libraries, and cafes

If your township has just a few hundred or a few thousand voters, reaching even 10–20% of them personally can make a big difference.

Step #5: Get Out the Vote

Township elections often fly under the radar, and turnout is low. Local elections are plagued by low turnout, with most places only seeing 15% to 27% turnout, while some places dip below 10%. So, if you can connect with even a small portion of your community, you may be able to swing the outcome.

Don’t assume voters will remember election day. Township elections sometimes take place on unusual dates or get lost amid bigger races. You’ll need to remind supporters early, often, and clearly.

Some ways to get out the vote effectively:

• Send text reminders the week and day before the election.

• Post countdowns on social media with polling location info.

• Call or message supporters directly, especially those you’ve met in person.

• Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to bring someone with them to vote.

• Host a “walk to the polls” meetup or carpool for community members with limited transportation. 

• Even a simple message like “Don’t forget — township elections are this Tuesday! Your vote matters here more than anywhere else” can make a big difference.

Try to find opportunities to personalize your messages to voters. Personalized outreach has a big impact on turnout, leading to a 13.2% increase according to a study by Turnout Nation. 

You should also ensure your community understands where and how to vote. 

Provide clear info about:

• When and where to vote

• What ID (if any) is required

• How to vote early or by mail, if available

• Who’s eligible to vote in your race (some township roles have specific districts or criteria)

If possible, post a sample ballot or direct voters to where they can preview one, especially if your name won’t be familiar to them.

LEARN MORE: Get your voters to the polls with seven strategies for GOTV.

Why Running for Township Jobs Matters

Township officials make decisions that touch people’s lives in small but meaningful ways daily. From how well roads are plowed to how transparent the budget is, these positions are essential for accountability, access, and good governance.

By getting involved in local politics and running for a township office, you’re not just stepping into a role. You’re showing your neighbors that leadership can look like them.

Whether you’re planning to run for township trustee, clerk, or another local office, GoodParty.org is here to help you run your race without party pressure or big money politics. We offer free tools, voter data, campaign templates, and expert guidance tailored to first-time and Independent candidates.

Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash