On May 20, 2025, Bucks County voters will have the opportunity to participate in the Municipal Primary to select party candidates for various local and county offices.  Those elected will then move on to the Municipal Election on November 4th.  Historically, these “off-year” local elections generate relatively low voter turnout.  While participation in these races has increased gradually in recent cycles, it still lags significantly when compared to turnout for presidential elections.

 

It’s understandable that the intense media focus on Washington and the prolonged political campaigns of national candidates work to fuel voter interest and familiarity.  However, municipal elections also really do matter!  In many ways, the county and local offices on municipal ballots can have a greater impact on the quality of life for our families and communities, especially in such areas as education, public safety, infrastructure, and local services. 

 

Let’s take a closer look at the offices up for election in Bucks County this year.

 

 

The District Attorney investigates evidence in criminal cases and determines whether to prosecute them.  The DA also works to protect and support the victims of crime, to create and oversee public safety programs, and to work collaboratively to address the underlying causes of crime.

 

The Sheriff is the county’s chief law enforcement officer tasked with keeping the peace, enforcing the laws, and carrying out various court duties, including the execution of bench warrants, transportation of prisoners, and enforcement of court orders.

 

The Controller is the county’s chief financial officer and chief auditor.  The Controller, as the final independent check on the fiscal activities of all county branches, is authorized to investigate fraud and abuse.

 

The Prothonotary is the Clerk of the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas responsible for recording all civil procedures before the court. 

 

The Recorder of Deeds records and maintains more than 25 types of documents including those related to real estate, veterans’ discharges, etc. 

 

 

The Mayor is the only elected executive officer and the chief law enforcement officer for the borough.  As such, the mayor is expected to take charge during emergencies.  The mayor is a key community leader who can participate in council meetings and veto ordinances passed by the council.

 

Borough Council Members primarily have a legislative role, enacting ordinances that address local governmental functions such as health, fire and police protection, and taxation.  Council members also may have administrative or supervisory roles, and they often interpret local ordinances and decide certain issues.

 

Township Supervisors enact ordinances, adopt budgets, levy taxes, and maintain roads and bridges.  Authorized to act on behalf of the township, they also are responsible for public safety, emergency management, land use, and environmental protection.

 

The borough or township Tax Collector collects school, county, and township real estate taxes and other special assessments.

 

The borough or township Auditors or Controller oversee the required annual audit.  They examine accounting records and practices and are responsible for detecting irregularities and fraud.

 

The School Director is an uncompensated member of a 9-person school board. Directors oversee educational programs, personnel, and properties. Their duties encompass the areas of finance and budgeting, planning based on enrollment projections, the allocation of resources, the hiring of the superintendent, principals, and staff, and evaluation of district performance.

 

 

In 2025, Bucks County voters will select candidates to fill vacancies for judges on these courts:

 

The Magisterial District Court adjudicates parking violations and has initial jurisdiction over criminal cases.  Judges in these district courts process arraignments, conduct preliminary hearings, set bail, and adjudicate civil and landlord-tenant complaints. 

 

The Court of Common Pleas oversees criminal, civil, family, and probate matters not exclusively assigned to another court.  Common Pleas Court judges also have appellate jurisdiction over judgements from the minor (district) courts as well as certain state and most local government agencies.

 

The Superior Court is an intermediate appellate court based in Harrisburg.  It consists of 15 judges who sit on three-judge panels.  They hear appeals in criminal cases and most civil cases from the Court of Common Pleas as well as matters involving children and families. 

 

The Commonwealth Court is a 9-judge intermediate appellate court in Harrisburg.  Commonwealth Court Judges hear appeals of cases involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. The Commonwealth Court also has original jurisdiction when a case involves elections or when it is filed against the commonwealth.

 

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, comprised of seven justices, is the highest court in the commonwealth.  Supreme Court Justices handle discretionary appeals from Commonwealth and Superior Courts as well as direct appeals from lower court decisions, including when a sentence of death is issued.

 

 

With so many candidates on the ballot across the county, it is hard to know who will be on YOUR ballot. The League of Women Voters’ website, www.Vote411.org is a one-stop site where you can see just the candidates on your ballot, evaluate their personal characteristics, skills, and experience, and see their responses to questions posed by the League.

 

Vote411 also provides information about registration, mail-in ballots, polling place locations and much more.

 

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to exercise our right to vote at every opportunity.  By casting our ballots in this year’s Municipal Election, we can help determine those local candidates best suited to serve our communities.