Simply run as a candidate, not an atheist candidate. I voted for Barack Obama twice, because I thought he was the best candidate. I would NOT have voted for a black candidate. Obama didn't run as a black candidate. And, you shouldn't run as an atheist candidate. Do NOT make it an issue. It's simply part of who you are.

I have been openly Atheist for a long time so there is no point in my trying to hide who I am but I agree there is little benefit to broadcasting it either. There is no requirement to list religious affiliation in our elections, a right protected under law in Canada. While Canadians can be more progressive in that area there is still the religious element to deal with and no doubt they will be sharpening their knives for the Atheist candidate at their church socials and bridge clubs. Good luck with that as I managed construction projects for 30 years and my hide is thicker than a rhinoceros hide. If asked about religion I will just state that I think it is a personal and private matter that is none of my business or theirs.

I heard of a politician running at the state level who was an avowed atheist. I fo not remember which state sorry.

I remember someone running as one some years ago that causes a little splash. There are too many religious people who still fear and mistrust "non-believers" that it didn't make much difference. I mean he had some support but not enough to matter in the elections.

Gary Johnston ran twice for President with his religion listed as
Lutheran (not practicing)
which was about as close to admitting that he was Atheist that he could get and not be attacked and ridiculed.

Be brave. You can do it.

You don't want to have regrets at the end of your life when you're on your death bed.

If you're for the bosses - the media will be easy on you.

If you're for the workers - the media will tear you to shreds.

In 1998 the Georgia Republican party would not let me run for office because I'm Wiccan. I wish I had an alternative then.

Not me...

Go for it. Muni elections are the important ones. They affect us a lot more than what goes on in Washington. And, often, people run unopposed (meaning one vote wins) Change starts with small steps. Take the first one.

I wish I had the choice to vote for an atheist. These Repugnant Party "xtians" have no morals. Sometimes, I wish that "hell" didn't just exist in their minds. I don't want them in my world, let the "rapture" begin !

Do it, do it, but be prepared for a lot of hate.

Be careful. In some states, atheists are prohibited from running for public office. In all states ThumperZ will dig up any petty little shit on you and use it against you, be it benign or not.

Maybe try and get in touch with Aron Ra, the atheist activist and author. He took a run at it recently.

you don't want to do that. Run as "undecided agnostic who is spiritual but not religious". you'll need to start learning these things for politics if you actually want to win.

Great question, I am curious to see if you get any relevant answers!

Go for it, don't make religion or your lack of a big issue.

DO IT!

The only wall we need to worry about building is the one between church and state!

I think its a great idea to run as an atheist. Even though it won't be popular in the theist community it still helps to get atheists seen and make it the norm. You might not be successful but you would be a pioneer helping to pave the way for future atheists to run for office openly.