HARRISBURG – Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés has announced that candidate petition forms are available on the Department of State Web site for anyone planning to run for statewide office as a major-party candidate in 2017.
Democrats and Republicans seeking a place on their party’s ballot in the May 16 primary election may begin circulating nomination petitions for signatures on Feb. 14. The final day to circulate petitions and file them with the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation is March 7.
Cortés noted that the Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg, will again be the site for filing candidate petitions. However, petitions will now be accepted in the new Keystone Building Meeting Center. There will be signs in the building directing filers to the new location.
Offices up for election in 2017 for which the Department of State serves as the petition filing agency are: justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Commonwealth Court, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Citizens seeking county, school district, or municipal offices must file at their county election office.
Major-party members who are seeking a place on their party’s primary ballot must file:
- A completed and notarized candidate’s affidavit;
- Nomination petition pages with the required number of signatures;
- A copy of the Statement of Financial Interests that he or she has filed with the State Ethics Commission; and
- A certified check or money order, payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the appropriate filing fee.
Detailed instructions, including signature requirements, rules for circulating, and filing fees, are included with the petition packets which can be found under “Running For Office” on the Department’s Web site.
