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SB 1276

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 Amanda Cappelletti and 6 co-sponsors

SB 1276 updates Pennsylvania election administration by tightening candidate affidavits, nomination papers, timelines, and penalties for false filings to improve accuracy and accou

Referred to State Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1276

Summary of SB 1276 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Overview

  • Bill: SB 1276
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary subject: Amendments to the Pennsylvania Election Code (codes and procedures related to elections, nominations, affidavits, and related penalties)
  • Status: Referred to the State Government committee (as of 2026-04-14)
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Joe Picozzi, Dawn Keefer, Nikil Saval, Amanda Cappelletti, Sharif Street, John Kane, Tina Tartaglione

Purpose and Intent

SB 1276 aims to update and clarify various aspects of election administration in Pennsylvania. The bill seeks to modify dates related to elections and primaries and special elections, refine the procedures around affidavits of candidates, nominations, and related papers, and adjust penalties for false affidavits and false signatures or statements in nomination petitions and papers. The overall intent appears to enhance accuracy, timeliness, and accountability in the nomination and election process, while aligning administrative duties (e.g., providing lists of candidates) with modern procedures.

Key Provisions (Theme-Based Summary)

1) Election Dates and Scheduling

  • Proposes changes to the scheduling framework for elections, primaries, and special elections.
  • Aims to standardize or clarify deadlines and timelines within the electoral calendar.

2) Affidavits of Candidates

  • Revisions to affidavits that candidates must file, including procedures for verification, contents, and filing timelines.
  • Potentially tightens or clarifies requirements to ensure affidavits accurately reflect candidacies.

3) Nomination of Candidates

  • Modifies processes related to the nomination of candidates, including the preparation, submission, and review of nomination affidavits, certificates, and papers.
  • Addresses examination, rejection, and return of nomination petitions and related documents.

4) Delegates to National Conventions

  • Provisions affecting statements of candidates for delegates to national political conventions, including filing requirements and disclosures.

5) Secretary of the Commonwealth and County Boards

  • Requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county election boards with lists of candidates and related notifications.
  • Clarifies communication channels and information sharing between state and local election officials.

6) Nominations by Political Bodies

  • Rules governing nominations by political bodies (e.g., parties or political organizations), including paperwork and procedural standards.

7) Examination and Return of Petitions and Papers

  • Details on how nomination petitions, certificates, and related papers are examined, and how rejected submissions are returned to submitters.

8) False Affidavits and False Signatures/Statements

  • Adds or clarifies penalties for false affidavits of candidates.
  • Addresses false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers, potentially increasing penalties or defining clearer violation criteria.

Who Is Affected

  • Candidates and nominators: Individuals submitting affidavits, nominations, petitions, and related papers.
  • Political bodies: Parties or other organizations involved in nominating candidates.
  • Election officials: Secretary of the Commonwealth and county boards of elections, who must implement and enforce the revised provisions.
  • Voters and general public: Indirectly affected through potential changes in filing timelines, accuracy requirements, and the integrity of the nomination process.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill introduces changes to dates and deadlines for elections and primaries, suggesting a recalibration of the election calendar.
  • It delineates steps for examination, notification, and potential rejection of nomination documents, with a focus on timely processing.
  • It strengthens enforcement mechanisms by detailing penalties for false affidavits and false statements in nomination materials.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • May improve accuracy and reduce clerical errors in candidate filings.
  • Could affect campaign timelines, particularly if new filing deadlines are more stringent.
  • Enhanced penalties might deter fraudulent filings but could also raise concerns about due process and the burden on submitters if procedures become stricter.
  • State-local coordination could improve with clearer requirements for the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide candidate lists to county boards.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, journalists, or voters) or compare SB 1276 to current Election Code provisions to highlight exact changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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