For anyone concerned about having their viewpoint heard; for parents worried about the quality of their children’s education during this COVID-19 pandemic; for those who want a change or are satisfied with the direction of the political climate, the municipal primary election May 18 is your way of helping guide the future.

There is nothing more basic than the grassroots efforts of local people running for local office to direct change or maintain the status quo.

The first day to secure signatures for nomination petitions to serve statewide and countywide - as a magisterial district judge or school director or on a city, borough or township board - was Feb. 16.

Candidates wanting to have their name placed on the ballot in the municipal primary need to pick up a nomination petition at either the Lehigh County Election Board Office in the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; or the Northampton County Elections Office in the Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington St., Easton, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The email address for Lehigh County is electionboard@lehighcounty.org. The email for Northampton County is elections@northamptoncounty.org.

The election board directors are available to help candidates determine the required number of signatures needed.

A statement of financial interest, commonly known as the ethics form, is also required and must accompany the nomination petition when filed with the election board.

A copy also must be filed with the municipality or school district office, depending on the office being sought.

March 9, less than a month away, is the last day to file nomination petitions.

There are several rules and regulations that must be followed to successfully file a nomination petition and run for office. Candidates need to understand the instructions on the nomination and state ethics forms.

Booklets are available at the Lehigh County Election Board Office. For Northampton County residents, several helpful links can be found at northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/Candidates.aspx.

In addition, qualifications for each office are listed on the Pennsylvania Department of State website, dos.pa.gov, under the Voting & Elections and Running for Office tabs.

Don’t let a minor oversight ruin your chance at representing the interests of your community.

Now is the time to step forward, take a chance and throw your hat into the ring.

Deb Palmieri

editor

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press