Becoming Mayor of Stoughton, Wisconsin

A concrete, step-by-step path to running for and becoming Mayor of Stoughton, Wisconsin — the office and its powers, who is eligible, how to get on the spring ballot, the campaign-finance and signature rules, and the run through election day to taking office. Built on verified Wisconsin election law and the City of Stoughton's own rules.

Who it's for. Anyone considering a run for local office in Stoughton (or a similar Wisconsin city). No prior civics background assumed. Educational only — not legal advice; always confirm current rules and deadlines with the City Clerk and the Wisconsin Elections and Ethics Commissions.

2 courses · 9 lessons

Path

1. The Office and Your Eligibility

   Know the job and whether you can run before anything else — the office's powers and term, and the eligibility rules that gate every candidacy.

   The Role

   • What the Mayor of Stoughton Does
   • The Common Council and How the Mayor Works With It

   Eligibility

   • Can You Run? Eligibility and Residency

2. The Path to City Hall

   The actionable path: the election calendar, the filings that put you on the ballot, the campaign, and election day through taking office.

   Getting on the Ballot

   • The Spring Election Calendar
   • The Three Filings That Put You on the Ballot
   • Gathering Valid Nomination Signatures

   Campaign and Election

   • Campaign Finance Basics
   • Running a Campaign in a Small City
   • Election Day and Taking Office