End Cross-Filing by School Board Candidates, State Rep. Says

State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) announced Wednesday that he is sponsoring a bill to remove the ability of school board candidates to cross-file nomination petitions.

House Bill 1020 was approved by the House State Government Committee Wednesday, Simmons said. 

The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Election Code of 1937, which currently allows school board member candidates to file nomination petitions for multiple political parties.

Consequently, school board candidates in Pennsylvania who are cross-filed appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in primary elections.

"Historically, school board candidates have been permitted to cross-file because this position has been thought of as being non-partisan," Simmons said. "However, once in office, school board members make very important decisions related to a school district’s budget. As a result, many taxpayers view the position as being a partisan one."

Simmons said voters can also "confused when a school board candidate receives the nomination of more than one party on the ballot."

"Eliminating their ability to cross-file could provide some clarity for voters in school board elections," he added.

House Bill 1020 is headed to the full House of Representatives for debate and consideration.