How to Run for Elected Office
Our goal with these guides is to open up the political system by encouraging a diverse group of qualified candidates, like you, to consider public service.
Many people think that in order to be a public official you have to have an Ivy League education, a background in politics, and/or have family ties to the current political system. That's just not so. If you wish to participate in the political system, desire good government, and do not feel that you are adequately represented by your elected officials, run for office!
How to Run for Committee Person 2010: 
Members of the Ward Executive Committee, better known as committee people, are party positions that will be elected in the May 2010 Primary Election. A committee person is his or her political party’s representative in each division. Committee people serve as a point of contact between the voters in a division and elected officials and their political party. Committee people are considered party officers – not public officials or government employees. Click here to learn more about How to Run for Committee Person.
How to Run for Election Officer 2009:
In Pennsylvania three of the five people that run each polling place on Election Day are actually elected officials. The purpose of this manual is to show you how to become a Judge of Election, Majority Inspector or Minority Inspector at your local polling place. These positions were on the ballot in 2009 and will be again in 2013. Click to download How To Run for Election Officer (PDF).
Don't wait to 2013 to get involved! Call the City Commisioners to find out if you can be a poll worker at your polling place: 215-686-1500.
How to Run for Political Office:
This is our most basic guide. It outlines the regulations for running for all offices in Pennsylvania including, Governor, Congress, State Senate, State Representative, Mayor, City Council and party offices. Depending on what office you are considering, you may need more information, but this is a great place to start. Click to download How To Run For Political Office (PDF)
How to Run for Judge:
In Pennsylvania we elected our judges. The manual gives an overview of the Pennsylvania court system and covers the basic laws for judicial candidates, including getting on the ballot and filing financial statements. Click to download How To Run For Judge (PDF)
Campaign resources:
DAL Services, Inc. provides a free tool, the Pennsylvania Political Campaign Management Database (PPCM) that can help candidates stay organized and efficient while running their campaigns. The tool is free for anyone to use, though it does require Microsoft Access to run.