A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about making a difference in your community? Running for Village Trustee is a great way to get involved, help shape policies, and serve your neighbors. While the process might seem overwhelming, this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
Before you do anything, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
✅ You must be at least 18 years old
✅ You must be a U.S. citizen
✅ You must be a resident of the Village of Menands by Election Day
📌 Note: You don’t need to be a resident when you start your campaign, but you must be living in Menands by Election Day.
Step 2: Know the Election Timeline
The 2025 Village Election is on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Here are the critical deadlines:
📅 April 1, 2025 – First day to collect petition signatures.
📅 May 6, 2025 – First day to file petitions.
📅 May 13, 2025 – Last day to file petitions.
📅 June 6, 2025 – Last day to register to vote for the election.
📅 June 17, 2025 – Election Day!
⚠ Miss the filing deadline? You won’t be on the ballot. No exceptions.
Step 3: Get on the Ballot (Signature Collection)
To appear on the ballot as an independent candidate, you need at least 75 valid signatures from registered voters in the Village of Menands.
Rules for Collecting Signatures
✔ Only registered voters in Menands can sign.
✔ You must collect signatures between April 1 – May 13, 2025.
✔ Each voter can only sign for one candidate per position (No double-signing!).
✔ Use ink, and ensure full names and addresses are written clearly.
📌 Pro Tip: Aim for more than 75 signatures in case some get invalidated.
Step 4: Submit Your Paperwork
To officially become a candidate, you must file the required documents by May 13, 2025, at Village Hall.
Where to Get the Forms?
You don’t have to search for forms yourself! The Village Clerk will provide all required paperwork.
📧 Email: Donald Handerhan at dhanderhan@menandsny.gov
📍 Visit: Village Hall, 280 Broadway, Menands, NY 12204
Step 5: Run Your Campaign (Legally!)
Once you’re on the ballot, it’s time to get the word out—but follow the rules.
Campaign Finance Rules
✔ All candidates must report their donations and expenses.
✔ Campaign finance reports are due on:
- May 16, 2025 (32 days before the election).
- June 6, 2025 (11 days before the election).
📌 Even if you don’t raise money, you still need to file a report or a “No-Activity” statement.
Political Advertising Rules
✔ All campaign materials (flyers, posters, ads) must include:
- “Paid for by [Your Name or Campaign Committee]”
✔ You CAN: - Distribute flyers, run social media ads, go door-to-door.
✔ You CANNOT: - Campaign within 100 feet of polling places on Election Day.
- Use raffles or “50/50” drawings for fundraising (this is illegal in NY).
📌 Pro Tip: Use Facebook and community events to build awareness!
Step 6: Election Day – Get Out the Vote! 🗳
📅 Election Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
🕛 Poll Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Polling Locations: Check with the Village Clerk or County Board of Elections
Your Game Plan for Election Day
✔ Remind supporters when and where to vote.
✔ Offer transportation to those who need help getting to the polls.
✔ Use social media for last-minute reminders.
🚫 No Campaigning Near Polls! Electioneering is strictly prohibited within 100 feet of a polling place.
Step 7: What Happens After the Election?
If You Win 🎉
- You officially take office after the election results are certified.
- Prepare for your role as Village Trustee by attending board meetings.
If You Lose 💡
- Consider staying involved in local government.
- Run again in the future!
Final Checklist ✅
✔ Meet eligibility requirements (18+, U.S. citizen, resident of Menands by Election Day).
✔ Collect at least 75 valid signatures from village voters.
✔ File nomination petition on time.
✔ Submit campaign finance reports (even if you raised $0).
✔ Follow legal campaign rules.
✔ Get out the vote on Election Day!
Ready to Make a Difference?
Running for Village Trustee is a rewarding opportunity to shape the future of Menands. If you have any questions, contact the Village Clerk for guidance:
📧 Donald Handerhan – dhanderhan@menandsny.gov
📍 Village Hall – 280 Broadway, Menands, NY 12204
🚀 Step up, get involved, and run for office! 🚀
Why This Rewrite Works:
✅ Easy to Follow – No legal jargon, just clear steps.
✅ No Unnecessary Forms – Directs readers to the Village Clerk for official documents.
✅ Focuses on Action – Each step tells the reader exactly what to do.