2025 Cumberland County Election: Candidates, Positions, and Voting Deadlines

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, people in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, will come together to vote in the Municipal General Election.

Everyone will have the chance to vote since the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In this election, there are many positions to fill this year, including county row offices, borough councils, school boards, mayors, constables, and more.

County row offices include jobs such as Clerk of Courts, Controller, Coroner, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, and Sheriff.

These offices are called “row offices” because they were originally listed in a row on old ballots.

People interested in running for these roles must meet certain requirements, like being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and living in the county for at least one year before the election.

They also cannot hold certain other jobs, like being a school board director or a federal employee.

For those wondering about pay, the salaries for these positions are quite competitive.

The Clerk of Courts, Coroner, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, and Sheriff all make $82,543.50 a year.

The Controller earns a little more, with a salary of $88,608.88, while the Register of Wills earns $88,744.50 annually.

As expected, great benefits also accompany these jobs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and disability insurance.

It’s worth knowing what each of these row offices does because they play specific roles in the county.

• The Clerk of Courts handles criminal case paperwork, collects fines, and keeps everything organized.
• The Controller is responsible for the county’s financial records and audits, making sure money is used responsibly.
• The Coroner investigates deaths that are unexpected or suspicious and issues death certificates.
• The Prothonotary manages civil court records.
• The Recorder of Deeds handles property records and ownership documents.
• The Register of Wills deals with estates and inheritance paperwork.
• The Sheriff enforces court orders, oversees the jail, and ensures public safety.

In addition to these county-wide roles, there are other important jobs at the municipal level.

• Auditors: They review the borough’s or township’s financial accounts.
• Borough Council Members: They make decisions about hiring, budgeting, and local laws.
• Constables: They ensure safety at polling places and help with court duties.
• Magisterial District Judges: These judges handle small claims, landlord-tenant issues, and some criminal cases. They earn $91,597 a year.
• Mayors: They oversee public services, propose local plans, and represent the town at events. Mayors in Pennsylvania typically earn between $43,993 and $64,155 per year.

School board directors also play an important role, as they make decisions about local schools, like approving budgets and setting educational goals.

Unlike most other positions, school board directors are not paid.

Tax collectors manage municipal revenue, including collecting property taxes, school taxes, and fees.

The average salary for a tax collector in Pennsylvania is $46,698 per year.

Township commissioners or supervisors also have key responsibilities, like maintaining roads, managing parks, and hiring staff to provide local services.

They are elected for four-year terms and may receive small payments based on the population of their township.

On Election Day, there are also roles like Judges of Elections and Inspectors of Elections.

The Judge of Elections oversees all activities at the polling place, while Inspectors help check in voters and answer questions.

These officials are paid $140 and $130 per day, respectively.

To make sure you’re ready to vote, it’s important to keep track of these dates:

• Primary Election Day: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • Last day to register: May 5, 2025
  • Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot: May 13, 2025
• General Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
  • Last day to register: October 20, 2025
  • Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot: October 28, 2025

You can also vote early:

• Primary Early Voting: May 30 to June 1, 2025 (hours to be announced)
• General Early Voting: October 25 to November 2, 2025 (hours to be announced)

To make sure your vote is counted, mail-in ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

If you’re voting in person, polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both election days.

This election is a big opportunity for everyone in Cumberland County to have their voices heard.

By running for office, nominating someone, or simply voting, you can help shape the future of your community.

Let’s work together to make Cumberland County a better place for everyone!