Elections

Election Day Constable Duties

  • Constables are required to serve at all elections per PA Act 49, Section 7152 – from the opening of the polling place and while the votes are counted.
  • Preserve peace and order.
  • Ensure the polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm.
  • Ensure access to the polls.
  • Quell any disturbance.
  • Ensure that voting activity is conducted properly.
  • Ensure that candidates and campaign workers remain at least 10 feet away from the entry to the polling place.
  • Keep clear any and all avenues to the door of the polling place.
  • Ensure that poll watchers are permitted in the voting area during the course of the election.
  • Enforce prohibition against campaigning in the voting area.
  • May be asked to keep campaign workers outside the voting area.
  • Remain ready to assist the Elections Judge if necessary.
  • Constables are the only law enforcement officers allowed at a polling place during an election. PA law requires that all other uniformed or plain-clothes police officers and peace-keepers (including sheriffs, local police, and state police) remain 100 feet or more from the entrance of a polling place. The only exceptions are when the officers are voting, or when called upon by the Judge of the Elections to address a specific problem listed in the Election Code.
Use The Pennsylvania Manual (2023) to help prepare for the upcoming election.