Start Your Own PAC
A Free Guide for Citizens
Democracy shouldn't feel like a members-only club. People Over Party SD started as two people with a $2,000 budget and zero political experience. We built this guide from everything we learned so you can do the same — in any state.
This guide is for civic education purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws governing Political Action Committees vary by state. Always verify requirements with your state's election authority before taking action.
10 Steps to Start a PAC
1. Define your mission and scope
2. Assemble your founding team (3-5 people)
3. Choose a treasurer (required by law)
4. Draft bylaws
5. Get an EIN from the IRS (free, 10 minutes)
6. Open a dedicated bank account
7. Register with your state
8. Set up record-keeping
9. Build your public presence
10. Plan your first action
Find Your State's Rules
Every state has different registration thresholds, filing deadlines, and contribution limits. Start at nass.org for a directory of every state's election authority, or search your state's Secretary of State campaign finance page.
Free Templates & Tools
Our full guide includes donor tracking spreadsheets, expense logs, bylaws outline, event planning checklists, and a first-event budget worksheet. Everything you need to get started.
Built from real experience by People Over Party SD, Rapid City, South Dakota.