Running for Office
Candidates can easily create nomination petitions onling using our
Candidate Survey webpage.
- The online nomination petition forms streamline the login and petition review process to reduce the amount of time candidates spend waiting in line.
- Candidates should save an electronic copy of their personalized nomination petition forms in the event they need to distribute additional forms to volunteers.
- Because the petition forms are optimized for use with our electronic filing system, it is important that candidates carefully follow the instructions for printing and copying petition pages.
If you have questions about the Candidate Petition Form webpage, please contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-877-868-3772.
As part of the Department of State's continuing efforts to provide quality service, the Department will be open to receive nomination petition filings on President's Day, Monday, February 17 from 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. at Keystone Building, Forest Room. The Department will be open only for the purpose of accepting and reviewing nomination petitions. Filers should enter through the North Street entrance on Monday, February 17.
"Things You Will Need" Checklist
- You must file with your nomination petition a completed and notarized Candidate's Affidavit
- You must file nomination petition page(s) with the required number of signatures for the office you are seeking
- You must file a copy of your Statement of Financial Interests, if applicable (not required for Federal or Political Party offices)
- You must file the original copy of your Statement of Financial Interests with the State Ethics Commission on or before the nomination petition filing deadline
- You must submit with your nomination petition a certified check or money order in the appropriate amount payable to the 'Commonwealth of Pennsylvania' (personal checks and cash cannot be accepted)
PLEASE NOTE:
- Petitions must be printed 2-sided on 8 ½ x 11" paper, head to head
- Petition pages that are not printed 2-sided will not be accepted
- The circulator must complete the "Statement of Circulator" on each petition page after signatures are gathered
- Signatures can be gathered only during the nomination petition circulation and filing period
- Signatures that are dated before the first day to circulate or after the last day to circulate will not be counted
- Remember to click the link on the petition form webpage to obtain the Statement of Financial Interests form
Statewide and State Level Offices Eligible for Election in 2020
President of the United States
Attorney General
Auditor General
State Treasurer
Representative in Congress
Senator in the General Assembly (Odd numbered districts)
Representative in the General Assembly
Delegate to the National Convention (Democratic and Republican)
Alternate Delegate to the National Convention (Democratic and Republican)
USEFUL LINKS
Create a personalized nomination petition form packet
View a copy of the nomination petition instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
"Things You Will Need" Checklist
If
you have any questions, please email ra-elections@pa.gov or call 717-787-5280.