Deadline fudged in flurrrry, burrrrry, way

All along I asked that the PA election NOT be moved to a sooner date in the calendar. In part, the risk of putting the primary on a snow day.

As it turns out, the deadline for candidates seeking to get onto the ballot has been extended by the Governor.

GOVERNOR RENDELL TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATES’ FILING PETITIONS

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell will sign an executive order extending
the deadline for candidates to file petitions to appear on the April 22 Pennsylvania Primary Election ballot. The deadline, which was set to expire today at 5 p.m., now will be at noon on Thursday, Feb. 14.

“Throughout the day, winter weather has caused accidents and forced the closure of
interstates at various times. In light of this fact, extending the deadline is warranted,” Governor Rendell said. “I moved the date until Thursday because the weather forecast tomorrow could also cause problems.”

“For those candidates who already are on their way to Harrisburg, we will keep the
Department of State’s Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation open to receive
petitions until 5 p.m. today.” The extension only covers the filing of petitions. It does not extend the deadline for the collection of signatures. The extension will move the last day for filing objections to the petitions to Feb. 21.

To view the current candidates’ list or to learn more about elections in Pennsylvania, visit www.dos.state.pa.us.

It would be ideal to allow for on-line signature gathering of candidates to get onto the ballot.