Running for Office

We can provide you with the resources and information you need to run for political office in Pennsylvania. 

*IMPORTANT FILING INFORMATION*

2025 PETITION FILING PERIOD: FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 11, 2025

2025 Unofficial Vacancy Chart

Incumbent Retention Judge Declaration of Candidacy Tracking

2025 Ballot Position Lottery Notice

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 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.

Offices to be Elected in 2025

  • Justice of the Supreme Court (retention only)
  • Judge of the Superior Court 
  • Judge of the Commonwealth Court
  • Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
  • Judge of the Municipal Court (Philadelphia)

Useful Links 

Create a Personalized Nomination Petition Form Packet

View a Copy of the Nomination Petition Instructions

Nomination Petition Filing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

"Things You Will Need" Checklist 

PennDOT Guidance for Political Signs

 

To obtain electronic copies of nomination petitions, please email your request to  
ra-elections@pa.gov.

Contact Us

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If you have any questions, email ra-elections@pa.gov.

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Call us

If you have any questions, call 1-877-868-3772, option 3.​

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