who runs
Pennsylvania’s elections?
Together, from the local to the state level, public servants make our state government function.
POLL WORKERS
More than 45,000 poll workers will support Pennsylvania elections in 2024. These people receive official training from their county on how to conduct elections according to Pennsylvania law.
To be a poll worker in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 17 years old
- Be registered to vote in the county where you wish to work (17 year olds must only be a resident of that county)
- Agree to fulfill your duties impartially
- NOT be a candidate on the ballot
- NOT be a government official or employee (with the exception of district judges, notaries public, and members of the state National Guard)
County Officials
Every city or township in Pennsylvania is part of one of the state’s 67 counties. These counties generally have an:
Election Director. In most counties, the Election Director:
- Is appointed by the county election board
- Maintains the registration files of voters and ensures records are kept current
- Oversees all local ballot voting and voter registration
- Oversees the preparation of all required materials and ensures that polling locations receive all required materials and equipment
In most counties, the Board of Elections:
- Is made up of county commissioners
- Selects polling places
- Provides certain election supplies, such as ballots
- Canvasses (or finalizes) and certifies election results
You can find your county election officials’ information here.
State-Level Officials
The Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth is the Commonwealth’s chief election officer. The Secretary, along with the nonpartisan staff of the Pennsylvania Department of State, oversees elections in the state and provides guidance to local election officials.
Pennsylvania’s current Secretary of the Commonwealth is Republican Al Schmidt.
