Q. Can "third parties" nominate candidates for a special election?

A. Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes two "major political parties" - Democratic, and Republican - and two "minor parties" - the Green and Libertarian parties. Local leaders and representatives of these parties meet to choose candidates for the special election. Nominating certificates are signed by party representatives. 

All other "third parties" in Pennsylvania are considered "political bodies," and they follow a different process. "Political bodies" may nominate candidates by collecting and filing signatures of registered voters in their districts on nominating papers . The number of voter signatures required is different for each office. 

Q. How are Special Election dates determined? 

A. For PA State House seats, the Speaker of the House may choose a date within a window of time defined in the Pennsylvania Election Code.   The window is based on two dates -- the date that the vacancy becomes official, and the date of the next regularly scheduled Primary or General Election.

• When a vacancy occurs in the first 17 months of the 2-year term, the Speaker of the House has 10 days to announce a Special Election date and issue a "Writ of Election" to the county or counties that will be required to hold the election.
• The date must be at least 60 days after the "Writ of Election" is issued. This allows time for political parties to nominate candidates, and for county election boards to prepare ballots and polling places, and notify voters of the election.  
• The last day to schedule the Special Election is the next Primary or General Election scheduled after the 60 day preparation period.
• If a vacancy occurs in the final 7 months of the 2-year term, the Speaker of the House is not obligated to call for a special election. The vacancy will be filled by the upcoming General Election for the seat.