What’s on the ballot in 2025?

This year there will be LOTS of local offices on the ballot. Running for local office is a great way to help your community!

At the county level:

Controller: The County Controller supervises the county’s fiscal affairs and is responsible for the county’s accounting records, accounts payable, and payroll. They also monitor all county contracts and handle internal audits. Candidates must be 18 years old and have been a resident of the county for 1 year. Controllers serve 4-year terms and this is a full-time, paid position.

Sheriff: The County Sheriff oversees the Sheriff’s department, which primarily provides security and prisoner transport for the county courts. The department also carries out orders of the court to enforce injunctions and serve warrants, writs, and subpoenas. In some counties, the Sheriff has been granted additional responsibilities. Candidates must be 18 years old and have been a resident of the county for 1 year. While candidates with law enforcement and/or military experience typically make the strongest candidates, it is not required. Sheriffs serve 4-year terms and this is a full-time, paid position. 

Recorder of Deeds: The County Recorder of Deeds maintains the county’s official library of real estate records, including deeds, mortgages, and land contracts. The Recorder’s office is responsible for recording, storing, and securing these records and making them accessible to the public. Some counties combine this position with other elected positions. Candidates must be 18 years old and have been a resident of the county for 1 year. Recorders of Deeds serve 4-year terms and this is a full-time, paid position.

At the local level:

Mayor: Mayors manage the operations of their city, borough, or township, often recommending legislative actions and agendas to the council or board. Duties of mayors vary from place to place, but may include oversight of all departments, including police, fire, education, housing, and transportation; managing the municipal budget; presiding over council/board meetings; vetoing laws, if allowed by the municipal charter; appearing at ceremonial events and as a spokesperson for the community; and proposing solutions to address local issues. Mayors generally have a larger role in cities than in boroughs or townships. Candidates for mayor must be 18 years old and have lived in the district for 1 year. In most places, the mayor serves a 4-year term and this is a part-time position, sometimes paid. 

Council/Supervisor: As the city’s legislative body, the Council or Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing programs and services provided by the municipality, as well as hearing the concerns of local citizens. They decide on basic local policy and act as liaisons between the municipality and the general public. They also supervise administrative officers, make changes to local ordinances, set the budget, and consider plans for future development. Candidates must be 18 years old and have lived in the district for 1 year. In most cities and boroughs, council members serve a 4-year term. In most townships, these officers serve a 6-year term. This is usually a part-time, and sometimes paid, position, though the position can be full-time in the largest communities.

Tax Collector: The Treasurer or Tax Collector collects and deposits all funds received by the city/borough/township, including municipal and property taxes. In many counties, municipal tax collectors also collect county taxes. In townships and boroughs, candidates must be 18 years old and have lived in the district for 1 year. In cities, candidates must be 21 years old and also be a registered accountant. In most places, these officers serve a 4-year term and this is usually a part-time, paid position.

Auditor: The Board of Auditors meets annually to audit and settle the township or borough’s accounts, then submit a financial report to the state. Candidates must be 18 years old and have lived in the district for 1 year. In most places, Auditors serve a 6-year term, only meet for a couple months out of the year, and receive hourly compensation for their time.

School Board: The School Board is the governing body for the school district and is responsible for the educational experience of all students in the local public schools. The school board hires and evaluates the district superintendent, sets district goals and policies, approves the annual budget, negotiates employee contracts, makes decisions about the curriculum and textbooks, and establishes district-wide policies. School board candidates must be 18 years old and have been a resident of the district for 1 year. This is a part-time, unpaid position.