*IMPORTANT FILING INFORMATION*
2026 PETITION FILING PERIOD: FEBRUARY 17-MARCH 10
NOTICE AND ORDER Regarding Objections to Nomination Petitions, Papers, and Certificates of Candidates for Statewide and State-Level Office
Candidates can easily create nomination petitions online using our candidate Office 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. Since 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 any questions about the candidate Office Survey webpage, please contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-877-868-3772, option 3.
- You must file with your nomination petition a completed and notarized Candidate's Affidavit. If you are unable to obtain notarization for your Affidavit, an Unsworn Declaration must accompany the Affidavit.
- You must file nomination petition page(s) with the required number of signatures for the office you are seeking.
- You must file with your nomination petition, a copy of your Statement of Financial Interests, if applicable (not required for Federal or Political Party offices).
- You must file the original 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.
2026 Filing Fees and Signature Requirements for Candidates who File Nomination Petitions to Access the General Primary Ballot
Office | Fee | Signature Requirement | Statement of Financial Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
Governor | $200 | 2,000 (including at least 100 from each of at least 10 counties) | Yes |
Lt. Governor | $200 | 1,000 (including at least 100 from each of at least 5 counties) | Yes |
| Representative in Congress | $150 | 1,000 | No |
| Senator in the General Assembly | $100 | 500 | Yes |
| Representative in the General Assembly | $100 | 300 | Yes |
| Member of State Committee | $25 | 100 | No |
Useful Links
Create a Personalized Nomination Petition Form Packet
Nomination Petition Instructions
Nomination Petition Filing Guide
"Things You Will Need" Checklist
Ballot Position Lottery Notice-COMING SOON
PennDOT Guidance for Political Signs
To obtain electronic copies of nomination petitions, please visit the Candidate Database through the end of the objection period, or email your request to
ra-elections@pa.gov.