Overview

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state's principal legislative body. Pa. Const. Art. II, § 1. The General Assembly is composed of the Senate (upper body) and the House of Representatives (lower body). Pa. Const. Art. II, § 1. Aside from making law, the legislature has limited election-related roles, but it does play a key part in the procedural steps of the certification process. 25 P.S. §§ 2212, 3165.

Duties

State Senate

The key election duties of the State Senate are:

1. Confirming the Governor's appointments (Secretary of the Commonwealth, executive and judicial vacancies, and members of the Joint State Government Commission's Election Law Advisory Board). Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 8(b); Pa. Const. Art. V, § 13(b); 71 P.S. § 732-202, 25 P.S. §§ 3150.22(c)(2),(4).
2. (President Pro Tempore of the Senate) Receiving certified results for statewide offices during the first meeting of the General Assembly following the general election and opening and publishing them in the presence of members of both houses of the General Assembly. 25 P.S. § 3165.
3. (President Pro Tempore of the Senate) Issuing certificates of election to elected State Senators. 25 P.S. § 2212.

State House of Representatives

The key election duty of the State House of Representatives is:

1. (Speaker of the House) Issuing certificates of election to elected State House members. 25 P.S. § 2212.

Election and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: ****The Members of the General Assembly are elected at the general election every two years. Pa. Const. Art. II, § 2.
• Makeup:**
  • The State Senate is composed of 50 members (28 Republicans and 22 Democrats). 25 P.S. § 2201.
  • The State House of Representatives is composed of 203 members (102 Democrats and 101 Republicans). Pa. Const. Art. II, §§ 3, 16.
• Term of Office: State Senators are elected for terms of four years and State House members for terms of two years. Pa. Const. Art. II, § 3.
• Next Election: November 5, 2024 (all State House members and State Senators in odd-numbered districts).
• Qualifications: State Senators must be at least 25 years of age and State House members 21 years of age. All members must be citizens and inhabitants of the state for four years, and inhabitants of their respective districts one year before their election. All members must reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. Pa. Const. Art. II, § 5.
• Vacancy: **The presiding officer of the Senate or House will call for a special election within 10 days of the vacancy. 25 P.S. § 2778.