Attention Residents of the 195th Legislative Disctrict
The Speaker of the PA House of Representatives, Madam Speaker Joanna McClinton, has called for a Special Election to fill vacancy left by the resignation of Rep. Donna Bullock in the 195th legislative district. This special election will occur on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
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WHAT TO KNOW
When is the Special Election?
- Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Why is there a Special Election?
- A member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (Rep. Donna Bullock – 195th District) resigned. This resignation created a vacancy, and Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton has called for a Special Election to be held to fill this vacancy.
Who can run in the Special Election?
- The Election Code allows candidates to be nominated by political parties or political bodies.
- Political parties nominate candidates by filing nomination certificates. Each party has its own rules about how vacancies are filled. Those rules govern how the nomination certificates should be completed.
Who can vote in the Special Election?
- Voters registered in the 195th Legislative District can vote in the Special Election (all eligibility requirements apply, see here: Philadelphia City Commissioners)
When is the voter registration deadline for the Special Election?
- Tuesday, September 3rd (the day after Labor Day) is the last day to register for the Special Election.
How will we vote in the Special Election?
- The Special Election will be conducted as similarly to a general election as possible. Voters will be able to vote by mail, as well as in person at polling places. There may be some changes to polling places, but the Board of Elections will notify voters know of any changes. Polling places will be open from 7am-8pm, like every Election Day.
How will voters be notified of any polling place changes?
- As many polling place locations as possible will be finalized by August 28, 2024 – 20 days before the election. (Some emergency changes may be made after this date.) Those locations will be voted on by the Board of Elections. Signs with information about any polling place changes will be posted on and around the original location, and updated voter registration cards will be mailed to all registered voters in the relevant districts.
How long will the people who are elected in September serve?
- The candidate who wins the September 17th Special Election will serve until the last day of November.
What will happen in the November 5, 2024 election?
- For the 195th legislative district, there will be a process to replace the candidate that won the primary election but withdrew their candidacy. The party of the candidate who won the primary will make a substitute nomination by filing a nomination certificate with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
If I vote in the special election, can I still vote in the general election?
Yes, if you vote in the special election, you will still be eligible and able to vote in the general election, in person or by mail.
Will I be able to vote by mail in the special election?
Yes, you will be able to vote by mail in the special election. The last day to request a mail-in ballot for the special election is September 10, 2024 at 5pm.
Does the special election change any deadlines for the general election?
No, the special election does not change any deadlines for the general election.
Where can I get more information?
The PA Department of State has posted more information about this Special Election on its website at https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/programs/voting-and-elections/special-elections.html.