Tools to Run for Local Office

Tools to Run for Local Office

The League of Women Voters encourages active participation of citizens in government and running for office is a way to do this.

Have you ever thought about running for office?
Do you think you could make a difference if you were a local election official?
If you answer YES to the questions please review the resources below:

Toss Your Hat in the Ring (1-9-2025) Recording - CLICK HERE

The webinar offered through the League of Women Voters of Delaware County provides an overview of local government and features information on filing, reporting campaign expenses and other important information. Jamie Mogil, Esq., election expert, lawyer and LWV local League president, explains what you need to do to run for local elected office in Pennsylvania. Watch for specific tips about how to get on the primary ballot and how to handle candidate finances.

Links shared by the presenter:

Local Government Laws List - PA DCED

Municipal Associations: Pennsylvania State Assoc. of Townships and Pennsylvania State Assoc. of Boroughs

PA Dept. of State links - Election Calendar and Running for Office Main Page and Campaign Finance Main Page

Women Running for Local Office - Ready to Run PA (Women) and She Should Run (Women)

*******************************************************************************************************************

Additional Resouces:

PA Department of State - CLICK HERE This is the state agency in charge of voting and elections.

Upcoming Elections in PA - CLICK HERE
PA Campaign Finance Page - CLICK HERE
FORMS & REPORTS - CLICK HERE

Information for Running for Office in Delaware County, PA

Delaware County Information for Candidates Nomination petition packets—inclusive of the official candidate declaration, blank signature forms, financial interest documents, filing fact sheets, and general instructions and details—are now available for download from the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/candidates.
Filing a Paper of Financial Interests

Information about Delaware County, PA

Delaware County Municipalities - CLICK HERE
Delaware County Schools - CLICK HERE
US Census Quick Facts Delaware County PA - CLICK HERE (once at this site you can get data on municipalities in Delco)

Tips for running your campaign

Contact the Political Parties

Delco - Democrats
Delco - Republicans

Practical Guide for Winning Elections
Vote Goal Worksheet - Click Here
Volunteer Program Guide - Click Here
Candidate Boot Camp Downloadable Resources - Click Here
Campaign Basics - How to Run for Local Office - Click Here
Resources for Campaigns During COVID-19 - Click Here
All prospective candidates are also strongly encouraged to consult with a solicitor who is versed in the election code and campaign-finance requirements.
Please note: Delaware County has been alerted that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued this order involving changes to Magisterial District Judge (MJD) lines. Changes “effective” Jan. 2024 will be reflected on the 2023 ballots so that candidates may be elected to begin serving in Jan. 2024.

Resources/Courses/Associations for Local Offices

VOTE 411 (League of Women Voters)

Vote411.org - LWV FREE online Voters Guide where candidates put up information. Voters can view candidate information to help them make their voting decision. NOTE: Getting your information in Vote411 is a good FREE way to share your information with voters. If you decide to run for office PLEASE share your contact information with our League and you will receive information on how to input your information into Vote411. LWV Delco Contact is Olivia Thorne olivia.thorne [at] verizon.net.