For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 6, 2024
Contact: Genevieve Greene, [email protected], 617-785-6991
Philadelphia, PA – The Committee of Seventy is launching a series of information sessions for Pennsylvanians to learn how to run for the elected poll worker positions that will be on the ballot during the primary election on May 20th. These sessions, held from February 10–14, will guide participants through the qualifications to run, how to complete and submit nomination petitions, and how to use a street list to understand and engage their community in the process.
Pennsylvania requires more than 45,000 poll workers every election to ensure that voting processes run fairly and efficiently. While residents can volunteer as poll workers for a single election, elected poll workers serve for a four-year term, bringing stability and leadership to their polling places. The positions up for election in 2025—Judge of Elections and Majority and Minority Inspector—are critical in overseeing elections in each voting division.
“At a time when national politics can feel overwhelming, it’s easy to believe that individual actions don’t make a difference,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of Seventy. “But real change starts locally, and one of the most impactful things you can do for our democracy is to step up and run for one of these positions. These roles ensure that every vote is cast and counted fairly, strengthen trust in elections, and help communities stay engaged in the democratic process.”
The sessions will be led by Jeff Greenburg, Seventy’s Senior Advisor on Election Administration. Greenburg served as Mercer County’s election director from 2007-2020 and has trained more than 10,000 poll workers.
“These positions are the backbone of our election system,” said Greenburg. “Anyone who wants to make a real impact in their community should consider running. Our sessions will provide all the information needed to navigate the process and serve effectively.”
To run for an elected poll worker position, candidates must gather nomination petition signatures between February 18 and March 11, 2025. They must be registered voters in the election district where they seek to serve and meet other eligibility requirements outlined by Pennsylvania law.
More information on the sessions, the schedule, and signing up, as well as additional resources, including a comprehensive guide on running for a poll worker position, can be found on Seventy’s website here. The sessions are hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.
Sessions are open to the press. Reporters interested in attending should contact Genevieve Greene at [email protected] or 617-785-6991.
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About Committee of Seventy
The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has promoted, supported and facilitated government ethics and election integrity for 120 years. Seventy advocates for more free, fair, safe and secure elections and works to ensure that every eligible voter votes, is informed when they vote, and votes with confidence. For more information, visit: https://seventy.org/.
