Local Democratic organizers are encouraging residents to participate in petition signing, volunteer activities, and community events as campaigns prepare for the 2026 primary election and a special legislative race.
Beth Farnham, a Democratic candidate for Congress, announced that petition season is now underway across Pennsylvania. Candidates must collect signatures from registered voters in order to appear on the Democratic primary ballot, with Farnham noting she needs approximately 1,000 signatures to qualify. Voters may sign petitions by contacting their county Democratic committee or attending scheduled signing events.
All completed nomination petitions must be returned to county elections offices by March 17.
A petition signing event will be held Sunday, March 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Adams County Democrats’ Headquarters, 24 Chambersburg Road in Gettysburg. The event will include food and opportunities for voters to meet candidates and sign eligible petitions before the filing deadline.
Petitions are currently available at the headquarters for candidates, including Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, as well as Farnham’s congressional campaign. Multiple candidates are also seeking signatures for state legislative races. In Pennsylvania’s 193rd House District, Democratic candidates Todd Crawley and Neil Clifford are circulating petitions, while Timothy Coulter, Tony Nunez-Guzman, and Kathleen Pratt are seeking signatures in the 91st House District. Helen Cook and Roger Lund are also collecting signatures for seats representing Adams County on the State Democratic Committee.
Where multiple candidates are listed for the same position, voters may sign for only one.
Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist Democratic nominee Todd Crawley ahead of the March 17 special election in the 193rd House District. Volunteers are needed to help prepare a mailing to voters, with approximately 500 envelopes requiring stuffing and addressing before the end of February. Assistance is available daily between noon and 4 p.m., and volunteers may also participate in weekend canvassing and phone banking efforts.
The March 1 event will also serve as a chili and grilled cheese fundraiser, with lunch available for a $20 donation. Attendees will be able to sign petitions and meet local candidates during the event.
In addition, organizers are urging residents to contact U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick to express opposition to the proposed SAVE America Act, which could be considered in the Senate soon. Supporters of the outreach effort say the legislation’s voter identification and citizenship documentation requirements will create barriers to voting.
Local Democrats also announced that “Rallies on the Square” will resume Feb. 28, and new merchandise, including “No Kings” shirts expected in mid-March, will be available ahead of a planned March 28 event.
Organizers said additional updates and volunteer opportunities are expected as petition season and upcoming elections approach.
