Voter Registration And Election Information

Running For Office



In odd numbered years, Pennsylvania holds its Municipal Elections. In Mercer County, we have 48 boroughs, cities, and townships, as well as 14 school districts.

You can learn more about the responsibilities associated with various offices by looking at the local government handbooks provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. You can learn about running for school board director here.

Individuals interested in running for municipal office must circulate petitions, complete a Candidate Affidavit, complete a statement of Financial Interests, and provide campaign finance information. Some offices also include a filing fee.  The minimum signature requirements and filing fees are listed below.

Minimum Signature Requirements and Filing Fees

Office

Signatures Required

Filing Fee

County Offices

100

$100

City Offices

100

$ 25

Township/Borough Offices

 10

No Fee

Magisterial District Judge

100

$ 50

School Director

 10

No Fee

Judge of Election

 10

No Fee

Inspector of Elections

  5

No Fee

Constable

 10

$ 10

 

 

Mercer County does not post candidate petition forms online and candidate packets are not available until February of odd numbered years. If you are interested in running for office, you will need to visit our office—130 North Pitt Street, Mercer, 16137—or have someone come on your behalf so that we can provide you the appropriate candidate packet.  It is important you use the correct petition form and complete all forms accurately. By coming to our office, we can ensure you have all the information you need to run for office.

If you are interested in running for seats in the State Legislature, in the US Congress, for Statewide office, or for the Court of Common Pleas, you should visit the Department of State’s website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/CandidatesCommittees/RunningforOffice/Pages/default.aspx