In anticipation of the candidate deadlines to file for 2025 local elections, staff from Chester County’s Department of Voter Services recently hosted Beyond the Ballot, a free seminar for anyone considering running for a local elected office in Chester County.  

More than 120 residents attended the seminar, which outlined details on local government offices, responsibilities of elected officials, filing petitions and campaign finance. 

Chester County Voter Services Director Karen Barsoum said, “Many people may consider running for local office but don’t fully know what the commitment is and how to begin the process. We created ‘Beyond the Ballot’ to help, providing people with information, resources, and the chance to learn from the experiences of current local elected officials.   

“Beyond the Ballot is yet another educational tool from Voter Services that gives the public a better understanding of the election process, starting with how to run for local office.”

The seminar featured an overview of Pennsylvania’s local governments and elected offices presented by Peter Wulfhorst, a retired Penn State Extension educator. Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe, together with municipal elected officials, formed an advisory panel that offered insight into experiences when running for local office. 

Barsoum presented information on petition paperwork and deadlines, and the process for getting on the ballot. Attendees asked questions of elected officials, and met with Voter Services staff to collect paperwork, petitions and accompanying helpful instructions. 

“There are so many opportunities to serve your local community, and running as a candidate for a local elected office – whether as a township supervisor, a school board member, an auditor or a judge of elections – is certainly important,” added Barsoum. “While Voter Services is there to process and record ballots on election day, we are also there to provide support and guidance for those individuals who have made the decision to run for office.”