An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 27 co-sponsors

HB 1278 revises Pennsylvania election procedures including nomination dates, candidate affidavit requirements, and penalties for false nomination documents.

Referred to State Government

Legislative bill overview

HB 1278 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to modify procedures and requirements for candidate nomination, affidavits, and related documentation. The bill updates dates for elections, primaries, and special elections while revising rules for candidate affidavits, delegate nominations, petition examination processes, and penalties for false statements in nomination materials.

Why is this important

Election administration procedures directly affect candidates' ability to run for office and voters' access to a full slate of choices. Changes to nomination timelines and affidavit requirements can impact campaign planning, ballot access, and the integrity of electoral processes at state and local levels.

Potential points of contention

Timeline impacts: Modified election dates and nomination deadlines may disproportionately affect candidates with fewer resources or those running in underrepresented communities who have less institutional support

Affidavit requirements: Stricter or revised affidavit procedures could create barriers to ballot access if requirements become more onerous or technical compliance becomes difficult

Penalty provisions: Enhanced penalties for false statements and signatures may deter some candidates while the specifics of what constitutes violations remain undefined in this summary