Montgomery County, PA

In order to have their name placed on the ballot, a prospective candidate should be familiar with the instructions on the nomination and state ethics forms.  In addition, each candidate should also be aware of the rules and regulations spelled out in the Campaign Finance Reporting Law.  Detailed booklets about these matters can be obtained at the Election Board office.

 

CIRCULATING A PETITION

 

Potential candidates who wish to have their name placed on the ballot in a Primary Election should pick up nomination petition forms at the Election Board Office.  Petition forms can only be circulated within a specific time frame and the directions on these forms should be followed very carefully.  There is also a deadline when the petitions must be filed in the Election Board Office.

 

What is a Statement of Financial Interests?
This two-part, carbonized statement, is also known as the ethics form and is the required method for the candidate to provide information about sources of income.  The yellow copy must accompany the nomination form when it is filed in the Election Board Office.  The original (white copy) must be filed with the municipal or school district office, depending on the type of office sought.

 

How many signatures must a candidate get on a nomination petition? 
The number of required signatures varies depending on the type of office being sought.  The Election Board Office can answer this question.

 

Are there fees required when a Primary Election petition is filed at the Election Board Office?
Again, the fee requirement depends on the type of office being sought.  The Election Board Office can answer this question.

 

When can nomination petitions be challenged?
A petition must be challenged within 7 days of the filing deadline.

 

The Board of Elections will post a candidate list some time after all challenges are settled.

 

A “Casting of Lots” is normally conducted approximately a week after the petition filing deadline.  The time and place is published in most newspapers or can be obtained from the Election Board Office.

 

Yes, unless the candidate withdraws.

 

Candidates of minor political parties or political bodies can file nomination papers after the deadline for accepting petitions.  The time frame for filing nomination papers is normally extended into August because these candidates are seeking access to the General November Ballot, rather than the Primary Ballot.

 

Nomination papers contain signatures from qualified electors of the district where the candidate from the political party or political body is running.  The required amount of signatures is at least 2% of the largest vote cast for a candidate elected within the same district (as the office the minor political party or political body candidate seeks) in the last Municipal Election.

 

The Election Board office will assist any candidate in determining the required number of signatures.

 

Candidates are responsible for keeping careful records of all contributions received and any expenditures made in support of their run for office.  Simply put, any financial activities directed toward influencing an election must be reported.  This not only includes the candidate, but committees and private individuals as well.

 

Opening a Committee
Often a candidate will authorize a committee to accept contributions and make expenditures on his or her behalf.  This committee must have a chair and a treasurer.  Forms for opening a committee are available at the Election Board office or can be obtained from this website.

 

Reporting Contributions/Expenses
A campaign finance reporting schedule is mandated by law and due dates are specified as follows: 

A detailed list of reporting dates is available at the Election Board office or through the following link listed below Campaign Finance Forms.

 

If receipts and/or expenditures during a specific reporting period exceed $250, a report of these must be filed.  If the amount is less than $250, a statement is filed in lieu of a report.  Again, the report forms and statement forms are available in the Election Board office or can be obtained from this website.

 

 

Must a committee always have a chairperson and treasurer?
Yes.  No contributions can be received or expenditures made unless both positions are filled.  The treasurer of a committee is responsible for receiving and disbursing funds but may appoint assistant treasurer(s) to act in his or her stead.

 

A contribution is any gift, loan or payment to a candidate or committee for the purpose of influencing an election, including paying debts incurred by the candidate or committee.

 

Banks, corporations and non-political associations may not make contributions to a candidate or committee nor should the candidate or committee accept such contributions.

 

Candidates for a statewide office, state legislative offices or Court of Common Pleas must file their original reports with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and then file with the Election board of the county where they reside.

 

Campaign Finance Report (FORM 502)  This form is for the use of candidates and political committees required to report expenditures and contributions.

Campaign Finance Statement (FORM 503)  This form can be used in place of the 502 Form when the amount of expenditures and contributions during a reporting period do not exceed $250.00.

Political Committee Registration Statement (FORM 500)  This form is used to register a new political committee or amend the original registration when the committee appoints a new chairperson, treasurer or changes any other required information.

Authorization for a Committee to Receive (FORM 501)  This form is the official authorization by the candidate allowing the committee’s treasurer to receive funds on behalf of that candidate.

Independent Expenditure Reporting Form (FORM 505)  If an individual makes an expenditure exceeding $100.00 in a calendar year to influence the outcome of an election, independent of the political committee, this form must be submitted.