Franklin Votes, a nonpartisan initiative to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Franklin County, is hosting a free webinar about “How to Run for Local Office” on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. Readers may register to receive the meeting link at franklinvotes.org/events.
As a local election year, there will be dozens of offices up for election across the 22 municipalities of Franklin County. These elected positions include mayors (borough), councilpersons (borough), school board directors, auditors (township), township supervisors, tax collectors, inspectors of election, judges of election, county treasurer, magisterial district judge and judge of the Court of Common Pleas 39th Judicial District. As local elected officials, decisions made by these leaders have a direct impact on the daily lives of their neighbors and communities.
The “How to Run for Local Office” webinar is for anyone interested in running for local office, specifically in Franklin County. Additionally, anyone interested in learning how local government works is welcome to join.
Webinar attendees will learn about Pennsylvania local government, elected and appointed offices and the steps to take to become a candidate for office. A panel of local elected officials will also share their experiences running for and serving in office, followed by a Q&A session.
Presenters include Peter Thomas Wulfhorst, retired Penn State extension educator, and Jean Byers, retired elections director for Franklin County. Wulfhorst served Penn State Extension for 25 years, conducting educational programming on topics related to government and nonprofits. Byers has been employed by Franklin County for over 40 years, most recently serving as the primary elections coordinator to ensure integrity and accuracy.
The panel of elected officials includes Lance Walker (R), Chambersburg Area School District Board of Directors, and Chadwick Hare (D), Chambersburg Borough Council. Each panelist will share why they ran for office and what they have learned serving in their position, then will take questions from attendees.
Readers may register to attend the free webinar at franklinvotes.org/events.
Franklin Votes is a program of the Franklin County Coalition for Progress, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Readers may find more information about Franklin Votes and explore nonpartisan voter resources at franklinvotes.org.
