The Next Right Thing: How a Counselor Ended Up Running for Office

By Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC 

I didn’t set out to run for office. I just kept saying “yes” to the next right thing.

Six years ago, I decided to put my listening skills to good use by knocking on doors and advocating for candidates who shared my values. I asked my friend Jimmy, a seasoned volunteer, for advice. He said, “It’s not too hard. Most people are friendly and interested in what you have to say. And you know, it’s often the case that dedicated volunteers eventually turn into candidates themselves.”

I laughed that off at the time. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person, but Jimmy’s prediction came true.

A few months ago, I got a text from my party’s local committee chair.

We hadn’t been formally introduced, so I was surprised to see: “Would you consider running for office in your district?” pop up on my phone.

I responded, “Maybe…?” (Hey, counselors can be skeptical too! But I did remember writing my number on the volunteer roster.)

After meeting the chair for coffee and realizing how good it felt to take action, the real answer became: YES. One hundred percent.

There were several seats open, but I had some personal considerations. As a business owner and mom, I don’t have a lot of spare time. I want to help my community, but there’s only so much of me to go around. I also don’t love the spotlight. I’d rather support from behind the scenes. And I’m not interested in adding to the political divide. That led me to a role that’s as nonpartisan as it gets: Judge of Elections.

The Judge of Elections runs your local polling place. They make sure things go smoothly on Election Day and help protect free and fair elections. No shenanigans.

I thought running for office would be intimidating. Turns out, it’s mostly emails, coffee chats, and reading fine print.

It helps to have a knowledgeable team, especially if you’re new to all this. First step? Download the petition packet from the county website. If you’re running on a party ticket, you’ll need a certain number of signatures from registered party members in your district. Once you turn that in, you’re officially on the primary ballot.

Then the real fun begins.

Running for office has pulled me out of my comfort zone, but it also feels surprisingly familiar.

Counselors are natural advocates. We listen. We build trust. We show up for people. That’s exactly what local government needs.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in your community—do it. Say yes to the next right thing. You might be surprised where it leads.

Not sure where to begin? Start by attending a local borough or township meeting. Or reach out to your county’s election office to ask about volunteer roles at your polling place.

You don’t have to be political to make a difference. You just have to care.

Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor, animal-assisted therapist, and owner of Unleashed Counseling. She serves on the Government Relations Committee of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association and always welcomes the opportunity to mentor counselor-advocates. Contact her at annalisa@unleashedcounseling.com.