Voter Guide
Primary Election
April 23, 2024
Last day to register to vote: April 9, 2024
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: April 16, 2024
General Election
November 5, 2024
Last day to register to vote: October 22, 2024
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: October 29, 2024

Register To Vote
You can also change your voting address, or change your party.
NOTE TO 17-YEAR OLDS
If you will turn 18 by general Election Day in November, you can register to vote before the primary and VOTE IN THE PRIMARY.
You can register or change your party or address of registration any time between the day after one primary or general election and 15 days before the next election.
When can you change your registration?
You can register or change your party or address of registration any time between the day after one primary or general election and 15 days before the next election.

Vote By Mail or Drop Box
Voting by mail-in or absentee ballot is safe, secure, and easy.
Drop Box Locations
There will be convenient drop-box locations throughout the county. See locations/times here.
You may drop your ballot off at Chester County Voter Services at 601 Westtown Rd, Suite 150, West Chester, PA 19380-0990. The dropbox in the lobby is available until 8pm on Election Day.
Applying to Vote By Mail or Absentee
You can apply online for your vote by mail ballot or call 1-877-VOTESPA.
While you may apply to vote by mail as late as 5:00 pm on the Tuesday prior to the election, It is best to apply as early as possible!
All further vote by mail questions, go to the Pennsylvania Voting Website.
IMPORTANT:
- You must apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot for each election (both primary and general), unless you have requested an annual ballot (an annual ballot request must be renewed each calendar year; you will receive a reminder by mail every February.
- You can also download, print and complete a mail-in paper application, or you can pick up a blank application form in person (bring identification) at Voter Services, 601 Westtown Rd, Suite 150, West Chester, PA 19380.
- If you apply online and enter a driver’s license or PennDot ID number, indicate your name as it appears on that state ID.
- On the written application, your municipality is the political entity where you live (e.g., West Goshen), not your postal address (which, for West Goshen, would be West Chester). “Ward” applies to just a few municipalities, e.g., West Chester ward 3. “Voting district” refers to precinct number, which for that ward is 835. But those answers are not essential.
Note: If you have applied for your ballot online and included an e-mail address, you will receive notifications when your:
• application is processed
• ballot is sent
• voted ballot is received by Voter Services
Status of your Application
You may check the status of your ballot at the Department of State website.
The Results will be one of the following:
• No Record means you haven’t applied yet or that your ballot has yet to be processed. It may take up to 10-14 business days from the time you submit your application for processing.
• Pending means your application was received and approved, but that your ballot has not been mailed yet.
• Processed means your application was received and approved, and your ballot has been mailed.
• Vote Recorded means Voter Services has received your ballot and recorded your vote.
You may also call Chester County Voter Services at 610-344-6410.
Note: It may take a week or more once you apply for your status to be updated.
Completing your ballot
When you are filling out the ballot, be sure to follow instructions precisely. Use one ballpoint pen with black ink.
Pennsylvania no longer has straight party voting. You must vote for every office individually. All races are important! Please vote your whole ballot. Do your homework online (one of the advantages of voting by mail: you can check the internet as you vote).
You have to return 3 items (see what they look like in this PA Dems video, source of image of completed back of outside envelope).
- The completed ballot inside…
- The inner “secrecy” envelope labeled OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT (do not write anything on it; seal it) inside…
- The outer envelope, must be signed and dated.
DO NOT TAPE or REOPEN your ballot. If you have made a mistake with your ballot, please contact voter services.
Sending your ballot
Voter Services must receive your filled-out ballot by Election Day. You can drop it in a drop box by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Postmarks on Election Day will not be counted. Your ballot must reach voter services by Election Day. If you wish to send your ballot by mail, follow the completing your ballot instructions and place it in the mailbox. Or, pay extra to use a company like UPS or FedEx. Put your ballot inside its 2 envelopes and then place it inside the commercial envelope.
Did not receive Mail-In Ballot
If you have your mail ballot, but did not mail it or drop it off, you can still vote at the polls by taking your full packet (ballot and 2 envelopes) to your polling place on Election Day. You will ask for it to be voided and a regular ballot will be issued to you. If you don’t bring the needed parts, then you can still vote provisionally (this option is not ideal). Take identification just in case.
If you aren’t sure if you sent your ballot in time and did not drop it off, you can also go to your polling place on Election Day. If the County receives your mail-in ballot on time, that ballot will count. If not, ask to vote in person.
Absentee Voting
If you qualify as an absentee voter, you must vote by absentee ballot. You will need to indicate your reason, either
• I will be absent from my municipality
• I have an illness or physical disability
Otherwise, the process is the same as for mail-in voting.
Apply for absentee ballot now.
There is also a provision for emergency absentee voting if a sudden emergency (like being hospitalized) after the absentee ballot application deadline prevents you from going to the polls as planned. Download the application form and the authorization form.
Vote at the Polls
On Election Day, polls are open from 7AM to 8PM.
WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?
In 2023, the Primary Election for Democrats and Republicans to choose who goes on their November ballot is May 16. November 7, 2023 is the next General Election.
- In a presidential election year, the primary is in April. In all other election years, the primary is in May.
- The general election is always the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of that year.
- Polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- If there is a line at 8pm, and you are in the line at 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote, no matter how long it takes.
WHERE DO I VOTE
HOW DO I VOTE?
See the video on how our voting machines work. Chester County led the way in Pennsylvania on using optical scan sheets, which means that in the case of a recount, all ballots can be physically inspected and the electronic count corrected as warranted.
Pennsylvania no longer has straight party voting. You must vote for every office individually. All races are important! Please vote your whole ballot. Do your homework online and talk with Dem greeters and pick up their handouts before going in to vote.
IDENTIFICATION
You need a valid form of identification (preferably, driver’s license or other photo ID. You may use photo student ID card, utility bill, bank statement, etc.) only if you haven’t voted as a resident of your current precinct before. It is not correct to say “if you have not voted before in PA” or “in your current polling place” (the physical location can change; it is the precinct that counts). Call 833-728-6837 if you believe a polling official is requesting identification erroneously.
Note: With a first-time voter absentee vote application, send a photocopy of one of those items. In both cases, photo ID works best.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING
If you are a registered Pennsylvania voter, you can use the early, in-person voting option. Between the time that ballots are ready and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot a week before an election, you can request, receive, vote and cast your mail-in or absentee ballot all in one visit to your county election board or other designated location. With this option, there is no need for mail at all, and you can cast your vote at your convenience.
Learn more about early voting.
Note that this option may require spending extra time in the County Voter Services office and is not available after the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot.
WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL BALLOT?
While this is not optimal, you may cast a provisional ballot, which may or not be counted if you are turned down for a regular ballot. This is why it’s important to be sure you know your correct polling place before you go to vote. Click here to find your polling location. Details provided by Chesco Voter Services, 11/15:
Provisional Ballot Regs:
25 P.S. §3050
A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there is a question regarding a voter’s eligibility. The voter has the right to vote by provisional ballot if:
- Their name does not appear in the poll book or supplemental list and is not able to be determined their registration status immediately.
- The poll book indicates ID REQUIRED in the poll book signature block and the voter is unable to show proper ID (ID needed when first time voting in that precinct).
- If the voter is challenged based on their registration and they are unable to complete the Challenge Affidavit.
- The voter is accidentally in the wrong precinct and does not have enough time to vote at their correct precinct.
- Only those contests that match the voter’s original precinct ballot will be counted.
- If the voter “intentionally and willfully” went to the wrong precinct to try and cast a vote, it will not be counted. (this happens often when voters assume it is ok to try to vote in a different precinct because it is more convenient to them)
- If the voter uses a Provisional Ballot but fails to sign it, or if their signature is determined to be fraudulent or not match their registration record, it will not count.
*In all cases the Judge of Elections should call Voter Services before issuing a Provision ballot. VS will research the situation and determine the voter’s registration status first.
Register To Vote
You can also change your voting address, or change your party.
Vote By Mail or Drop Box
Voting by mail-in or absentee ballot is safe, secure, and easy.
Vote at the Polls
On Election Day, polls are open from 7AM to 8PM.
NOTE TO 17-YEAR OLDS
If you will turn 18 by general Election Day in November, you can register to vote before the primary and VOTE IN THE PRIMARY.
You can register or change your party or address of registration any time between the day after one primary or general election and 15 days before the next election.
When can you change your registration?
You can register or change your party or address of registration any time between the day after one primary or general election and 15 days before the next election.
Drop Box Locations
There will be convenient drop-box locations throughout the county. See locations/times here.
You may drop your ballot off at Chester County Voter Services at 601 Westtown Rd, Suite 150, West Chester, PA 19380-0990. The dropbox in the lobby is available until 8pm on Election Day.
Applying to Vote By Mail or Absentee
You can apply online for your vote by mail ballot or call 1-877-VOTESPA.
While you may apply to vote by mail as late as 5:00 pm on the Tuesday prior to the election, It is best to apply as early as possible!
All further vote by mail questions, go to the Pennsylvania Voting Website.
IMPORTANT:
- You must apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot for each election (both primary and general), unless you have requested an annual ballot (an annual ballot request must be renewed each calendar year; you will receive a reminder by mail every February.
- You can also download, print and complete a mail-in paper application, or you can pick up a blank application form in person (bring identification) at Voter Services, 601 Westtown Rd, Suite 150, West Chester, PA 19380.
- If you apply online and enter a driver’s license or PennDot ID number, indicate your name as it appears on that state ID.
- On the written application, your municipality is the political entity where you live (e.g., West Goshen), not your postal address (which, for West Goshen, would be West Chester). “Ward” applies to just a few municipalities, e.g., West Chester ward 3. “Voting district” refers to precinct number, which for that ward is 835. But those answers are not essential.
Note: If you have applied for your ballot online and included an e-mail address, you will receive notifications when your:
• application is processed
• ballot is sent
• voted ballot is received by Voter Services
Status of your Application
You may check the status of your ballot at the Department of State website.
The Results will be one of the following:
• No Record means you haven’t applied yet or that your ballot has yet to be processed. It may take up to 10-14 business days from the time you submit your application for processing.
• Pending means your application was received and approved, but that your ballot has not been mailed yet.
• Processed means your application was received and approved, and your ballot has been mailed.
• Vote Recorded means Voter Services has received your ballot and recorded your vote.
You may also call Chester County Voter Services at 610-344-6410.
Note: It may take a week or more once you apply for your status to be updated.
Completing your ballot
When you are filling out the ballot, be sure to follow instructions precisely. Use one ballpoint pen with black ink.
Pennsylvania no longer has straight party voting. You must vote for every office individually. All races are important! Please vote your whole ballot. Do your homework online (one of the advantages of voting by mail: you can check the internet as you vote).
You have to return 3 items (see what they look like in this PA Dems video, source of image of completed back of outside envelope).
- The completed ballot inside…
- The inner “secrecy” envelope labeled OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT (do not write anything on it; seal it) inside…
- The outer envelope, must be signed and dated.
DO NOT TAPE or REOPEN your ballot. If you have made a mistake with your ballot, please contact voter services.
Sending your ballot
Voter Services must receive your filled-out ballot by Election Day. You can drop it in a drop box by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Postmarks on Election Day will not be counted. Your ballot must reach voter services by Election Day. If you wish to send your ballot by mail, follow the completing your ballot instructions and place it in the mailbox. Or, pay extra to use a company like UPS or FedEx. Put your ballot inside its 2 envelopes and then place it inside the commercial envelope.
Did not receive Mail-In Ballot
If you have your mail ballot, but did not mail it or drop it off, you can still vote at the polls by taking your full packet (ballot and 2 envelopes) to your polling place on Election Day. You will ask for it to be voided and a regular ballot will be issued to you. If you don’t bring the needed parts, then you can still vote provisionally (this option is not ideal). Take identification just in case.
If you aren’t sure if you sent your ballot in time and did not drop it off, you can also go to your polling place on Election Day. If the County receives your mail-in ballot on time, that ballot will count. If not, ask to vote in person.
Absentee Voting
If you qualify as an absentee voter, you must vote by absentee ballot. You will need to indicate your reason, either
• I will be absent from my municipality
• I have an illness or physical disability
Otherwise, the process is the same as for mail-in voting.
Apply for absentee ballot now.
There is also a provision for emergency absentee voting if a sudden emergency (like being hospitalized) after the absentee ballot application deadline prevents you from going to the polls as planned. Download the application form and the authorization form.
WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?
In 2023, the Primary Election for Democrats and Republicans to choose who goes on their November ballot is May 16. November 7, 2023 is the next General Election.
- In a presidential election year, the primary is in April. In all other election years, the primary is in May.
- The general election is always the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of that year.
- Polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- If there is a line at 8pm, and you are in the line at 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote, no matter how long it takes.
WHERE DO I VOTE
HOW DO I VOTE?
See the video on how our voting machines work. Chester County led the way in Pennsylvania on using optical scan sheets, which means that in the case of a recount, all ballots can be physically inspected and the electronic count corrected as warranted.
Pennsylvania no longer has straight party voting. You must vote for every office individually. All races are important! Please vote your whole ballot. Do your homework online and talk with Dem greeters and pick up their handouts before going in to vote.
IDENTIFICATION
You need a valid form of identification (preferably, driver’s license or other photo ID. You may use photo student ID card, utility bill, bank statement, etc.) only if you haven’t voted as a resident of your current precinct before. It is not correct to say “if you have not voted before in PA” or “in your current polling place” (the physical location can change; it is the precinct that counts). Call 833-728-6837 if you believe a polling official is requesting identification erroneously.
Note: With a first-time voter absentee vote application, send a photocopy of one of those items. In both cases, photo ID works best.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING
If you are a registered Pennsylvania voter, you can use the early, in-person voting option. Between the time that ballots are ready and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot a week before an election, you can request, receive, vote and cast your mail-in or absentee ballot all in one visit to your county election board or other designated location. With this option, there is no need for mail at all, and you can cast your vote at your convenience.
Learn more about early voting.
Note that this option may require spending extra time in the County Voter Services office and is not available after the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot.
WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL BALLOT?
While this is not optimal, you may cast a provisional ballot, which may or not be counted if you are turned down for a regular ballot. This is why it’s important to be sure you know your correct polling place before you go to vote. Click here to find your polling location. Details provided by Chesco Voter Services, 11/15:
Provisional Ballot Regs:
25 P.S. §3050
A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there is a question regarding a voter’s eligibility. The voter has the right to vote by provisional ballot if:
- Their name does not appear in the poll book or supplemental list and is not able to be determined their registration status immediately.
- The poll book indicates ID REQUIRED in the poll book signature block and the voter is unable to show proper ID (ID needed when first time voting in that precinct).
- If the voter is challenged based on their registration and they are unable to complete the Challenge Affidavit.
- The voter is accidentally in the wrong precinct and does not have enough time to vote at their correct precinct.
- Only those contests that match the voter’s original precinct ballot will be counted.
- If the voter “intentionally and willfully” went to the wrong precinct to try and cast a vote, it will not be counted. (this happens often when voters assume it is ok to try to vote in a different precinct because it is more convenient to them)
- If the voter uses a Provisional Ballot but fails to sign it, or if their signature is determined to be fraudulent or not match their registration record, it will not count.
*In all cases the Judge of Elections should call Voter Services before issuing a Provision ballot. VS will research the situation and determine the voter’s registration status first.
2023 Winners
- Justice, PA Supreme Court: Dan McCaffery
- Judge, PA Superior Court: Jill Beck, Timika Lane
- Judge, PA Commonwealth Court: Matt Wolf
- Chester County Commissioner: Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell
- Chester County District Attorney: Chris De Barrena-Sarobe
- Chester County Prothonotary: Debbie Bookman
- Chester County Recorder of Deeds: Diane O'Dwyer
- Chester County Register of Wills: Michele Vaughn
- Chester County Sheriff: Kevin Dykes
- Judge, Chester County Court of Common Pleas (in ballot order): Sarah Black, Deb Ryan, Fredda Maddox, Nicole Forzato, Thomas McCabe,
Dan McCaffery
Justice, PA Supreme CourtDan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chose...Read More

Dan McCaffery
Dan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chosen from the military to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Judge McCaffery attended Temple University and Temple University Law School on a veteran’s scholarship. In 1991, McCaffery became an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He quickly distinguished himself as a top-flight prosecutor assigned to the major trials unit, prosecuting over fifty jury trials and a thousand bench trials. McCaffery is currently the supervising judge for wiretaps and was selected by the Supreme Court to serve on the Court of Judicial Discipline.
Matt Wolf
Judge, Commonwealth CourtJudge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.
Judge Wolf is currently in the Penn...Read More

Matt Wolf
Judge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.
Judge Wolf is currently in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and served on active duty in Afghanistan in 2008. In country, he served as a Foreign Claims Officer and Rule of Law advisor to the Afghan National Police on legal matters.
Since 2021, Judge Wolf has been working with the National Center for State Courts through a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. He is the only Judge for Commonwealth Court in this election. In making changes to court policy, Judge Wolf listens to both sides of cases as well as all court stakeholders who should have a say in how the court is run.
Jill Beck
Judge, Superior CourtJill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in ...Read More

Jill Beck
Jill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in Pennsylvania truly is for ALL. After graduating at the top of her class from Duquesne University School of Law, Jill chose to work for the nonprofit organization KidsVoice, before spending a decade on the Superior and Supreme Court where she drafted over 500 decisions of the very kind she will decide as Judge. Jill currently resides with her husband, two young children, and rescue dog in Pittsburgh, where she is an active volunteer in her children’s classrooms and in her community.

Timika Lane
Timika Lane currently serves as chief legal counsel to State Senator and Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams. She also served as the Democratic Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee. In her role as legal counsel, Lane assesses the constitutionality of proposed and current legislation; provides legal advice and guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies, and advises Pennsylvania Senators and staff on legislation presented for vote in Senate Committees. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and has legal certifications as a child advocate and arbitrator.
Marian Moskowitz
Chester County CommissionerMarian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community....Read More

Marian Moskowitz
Marian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community. As the first Democratic Chairwoman of the County Board of Commissioners, she’s delivered real results for Chester County.
Under Marian’s leadership, Chester County now has the lowest unemployment rate in the region, our economy was ranked in the top 10 percent of High Performing Communities, and we were named the healthiest place to live in the state. From preserving our open space to investing in local infrastructure, Marian has shown up for the people of Chester County.
That’s because this has been Marian’s home for nearly 40 years, alongside her husband Dave, their five kids who they raised here, and their grandchildren. She’s been actively involved in the community, serving on the board of SEPTA, West Chester University, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, the People’s Light Theater, and on the Chester County Economic Development Council as past chair. Governor Wolf also named her to the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Josh Maxwell
Chester County CommissionerCommissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, val...Read More

Josh Maxwell
Commissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, values-based budgeting process; creating a mobile mental health crisis unit; numerous climate and open space incentives; and more. A graduate of West Chester University and UPenn's Fels Institute of Government, Josh lives in Downingtown with his wife, Blair.
Chris de Barrena-Sarobe
District AttorneyChris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he ...Read More

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe
Chris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he investigated and prosecuted social security fraud, high-level drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent offenses. Recently, Assistant United States Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. selected Chris and his team for the Criminal Division’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their work on a cartel kidnapping case. A Temple Law graduate, Chris currently works at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP. He lives in Willistown with his wife and two daughters.
Debbie Bookman
Chester County ProthonotaryDebbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides hers...Read More

Debbie Bookman
Debbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides herself on providing excellent community and customer services. She believes that when you are serving others it is often necessary to go the extra mile whenever possible. Customer service ultimately is the core of the Prothonotary’ s Office.
Diane O’Dwyer
Recorder of DeedsA resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years. Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member. She is a...Read More

Diane O’Dwyer
A resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years. Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member. She is a Board Member of the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Diane is proud of the solid reputation her office has built for excellence in public service.
Michele Vaughn
Register of WillsMichele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vi...Read More

Michele Vaughn
Michele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vice-Chair from 2000-06 and Chair from 2006-14, and an East Whiteland Township Supervisor from 1998-2003. She is the current Chester County Register of Wills.
The Register of Wills probates wills and appoints estate representatives for decedents who die with or without a will. Regardless of where the death occurred, the decedent MUST have been a legal resident of Chester County at the time of death. The Register of Wills also serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for filing and payment of inheritance taxes.
Kevin Dykes
Chester County SheriffKevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facil...Read More

Kevin Dykes
Kevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facilities.
The graduate of the FBI National Academy has previously served as Chief of Chester County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Trooper, advisory board member of DVCCC's Coaching Boys Into Men program, and "Top Gun" instructor.
Sarah Black
Judge, Court of Common PleasWhile maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner. She...Read More

Sarah Black
While maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner. She has been a public defender in Pennsylvania for fourteen years, the last nine of which have been at the Chester County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing trial attorney appearing before judges and juries, certified to defend death penalty cases, she appears in the courtroom daily providing zealous advocacy to marginalized populations. She is heavily involved in community service projects in her hometown of West Chester, where she resides with her husband, Paul, and rescue dog, Jack.
Deb Ryan
Judge, Court of Common PleasDeb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Cou...Read More

Deb Ryan
Deb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Court of Common Pleas including homicides, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. As a judge, she will be committed to the integrity of the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the due process of law.
Fredda Maddox
Judge, Court of Common PleasWith a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privi...Read More

Fredda Maddox
With a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privileged and the poor equally and provides a rare, balanced perspective of the court to provide the fairness, compassion and experience needed as a Judge.
Nicole Forzato
Judge, Court of Common PleasJudge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022. Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County. During her over twenty year legal career, she gained ext...Read More

Nicole Forzato
Judge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022. Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County. During her over twenty year legal career, she gained extensive litigation experience in civil, criminal and orphans court matters. She worked alongside Governor Shapiro for eight years in different roles including as a Senior Deputy Attorney General.
Thomas (Tip) McCabe
Judge, Court of Common PleasThomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipa...Read More

Thomas (Tip) McCabe
Thomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipal law, juvenile law, appellate law, and pro bono custody matters through the Chester County Bar Association's Access to Justice Program. Thomas served as Solicitor for the Elk Township Zoning Hearing Board and as an Arbitration Panel Member deciding civil matters less than $50,000.00. He is Chair of CCBA Criminal Defense Section, and Co-Chair of CCBA Civil Litigation Section.

Dan McCaffery
Dan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chosen from the military to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Judge McCaffery attended Temple University and Temple University Law School on a veteran’s scholarship. In 1991, McCaffery became an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He quickly distinguished himself as a top-flight prosecutor assigned to the major trials unit, prosecuting over fifty jury trials and a thousand bench trials. McCaffery is currently the supervising judge for wiretaps and was selected by the Supreme Court to serve on the Court of Judicial Discipline.

Matt Wolf
Judge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.
Judge Wolf is currently in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and served on active duty in Afghanistan in 2008. In country, he served as a Foreign Claims Officer and Rule of Law advisor to the Afghan National Police on legal matters.
Since 2021, Judge Wolf has been working with the National Center for State Courts through a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. He is the only Judge for Commonwealth Court in this election. In making changes to court policy, Judge Wolf listens to both sides of cases as well as all court stakeholders who should have a say in how the court is run.

Jill Beck
Jill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in Pennsylvania truly is for ALL. After graduating at the top of her class from Duquesne University School of Law, Jill chose to work for the nonprofit organization KidsVoice, before spending a decade on the Superior and Supreme Court where she drafted over 500 decisions of the very kind she will decide as Judge. Jill currently resides with her husband, two young children, and rescue dog in Pittsburgh, where she is an active volunteer in her children’s classrooms and in her community.

Timika Lane
Timika Lane currently serves as chief legal counsel to State Senator and Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams. She also served as the Democratic Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee. In her role as legal counsel, Lane assesses the constitutionality of proposed and current legislation; provides legal advice and guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies, and advises Pennsylvania Senators and staff on legislation presented for vote in Senate Committees. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and has legal certifications as a child advocate and arbitrator.
Marian Moskowitz
Chester County Commissioner

Marian Moskowitz
Marian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community. As the first Democratic Chairwoman of the County Board of Commissioners, she’s delivered real results for Chester County.
Under Marian’s leadership, Chester County now has the lowest unemployment rate in the region, our economy was ranked in the top 10 percent of High Performing Communities, and we were named the healthiest place to live in the state. From preserving our open space to investing in local infrastructure, Marian has shown up for the people of Chester County.
That’s because this has been Marian’s home for nearly 40 years, alongside her husband Dave, their five kids who they raised here, and their grandchildren. She’s been actively involved in the community, serving on the board of SEPTA, West Chester University, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, the People’s Light Theater, and on the Chester County Economic Development Council as past chair. Governor Wolf also named her to the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Josh Maxwell
Chester County Commissioner

Josh Maxwell
Commissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, values-based budgeting process; creating a mobile mental health crisis unit; numerous climate and open space incentives; and more. A graduate of West Chester University and UPenn's Fels Institute of Government, Josh lives in Downingtown with his wife, Blair.

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe
Chris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he investigated and prosecuted social security fraud, high-level drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent offenses. Recently, Assistant United States Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. selected Chris and his team for the Criminal Division’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their work on a cartel kidnapping case. A Temple Law graduate, Chris currently works at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP. He lives in Willistown with his wife and two daughters.
Debbie Bookman
Chester County Prothonotary

Debbie Bookman
Debbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides herself on providing excellent community and customer services. She believes that when you are serving others it is often necessary to go the extra mile whenever possible. Customer service ultimately is the core of the Prothonotary’ s Office.

Diane O’Dwyer
A resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years. Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member. She is a Board Member of the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Diane is proud of the solid reputation her office has built for excellence in public service.

Michele Vaughn
Michele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vice-Chair from 2000-06 and Chair from 2006-14, and an East Whiteland Township Supervisor from 1998-2003. She is the current Chester County Register of Wills.
The Register of Wills probates wills and appoints estate representatives for decedents who die with or without a will. Regardless of where the death occurred, the decedent MUST have been a legal resident of Chester County at the time of death. The Register of Wills also serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for filing and payment of inheritance taxes.

Kevin Dykes
Kevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facilities.
The graduate of the FBI National Academy has previously served as Chief of Chester County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Trooper, advisory board member of DVCCC's Coaching Boys Into Men program, and "Top Gun" instructor.

Sarah Black
While maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner. She has been a public defender in Pennsylvania for fourteen years, the last nine of which have been at the Chester County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing trial attorney appearing before judges and juries, certified to defend death penalty cases, she appears in the courtroom daily providing zealous advocacy to marginalized populations. She is heavily involved in community service projects in her hometown of West Chester, where she resides with her husband, Paul, and rescue dog, Jack.
Deb Ryan
Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Deb Ryan
Deb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Court of Common Pleas including homicides, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. As a judge, she will be committed to the integrity of the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the due process of law.

Fredda Maddox
With a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privileged and the poor equally and provides a rare, balanced perspective of the court to provide the fairness, compassion and experience needed as a Judge.

Nicole Forzato
Judge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022. Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County. During her over twenty year legal career, she gained extensive litigation experience in civil, criminal and orphans court matters. She worked alongside Governor Shapiro for eight years in different roles including as a Senior Deputy Attorney General.

Thomas (Tip) McCabe
Thomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipal law, juvenile law, appellate law, and pro bono custody matters through the Chester County Bar Association's Access to Justice Program. Thomas served as Solicitor for the Elk Township Zoning Hearing Board and as an Arbitration Panel Member deciding civil matters less than $50,000.00. He is Chair of CCBA Criminal Defense Section, and Co-Chair of CCBA Civil Litigation Section.
Why Vote?
Always vote!
Always Vote Because:
- You want a fair minimum wage and equal pay for equal work.
- You want students to have affordable loans.
- You want the US to catch up to other countries in health care access.
- You want a fair tax code in which the wealthy pay their fair share and the super-wealthy don’t profit from tax havens abroad.
- You want the satisfaction of saying what you want every 6 months.
Vote in the Odd Years Too
Don’t skip voting in odd-year elections because you don’t think they are important. On the contrary, they shape your daily life. The individuals elected to every single municipal office have an impact on your family’s well-being and the policies that govern your township, school board, and county. For example:
- Tax assessments (which may exceed your federal taxes)
- Attention to climate change & sustainability in strategic planning
- Condition of our streets and sewers; lack of sidewalks and bicycle trails
- Capacity to attract new businesses and new residents
- Criminal justice from streets to courts to prisons to fresh starts
- Schools’ physical, social, and health environment
- Integrity of election procedures
Adapted from the Easttown Dems
WHY VOTE DOWN BALLOT?
What does down ballot even mean? Paying attention to all candidates and casting your vote for EACH & EVERY RACE is called “Voting Down the Ballot.” Democratic executive branch leaders (Governor and President) are severely hampered without a supportive legislative branch (US Congress and PA General Assembly).
- A Democratic president needs Democrat US Senators from PA and Democratic US House of Representatives from PA to get progressive legislation passed.
- A Democratic governor needs Democratic State Senators and Democratic State House Representatives to get progressive legislation passed and to protect his vetoes of objectionable legislation.
- Likewise, with a Republican President or Governor, we need Democrats is both the US Senate and US House and PA State Senate and PA State House to halt the destruction of the what we hold dear.
So getting to the polls or voting by mail for each election is just the first step!
Unlike a river running downstream—where the runoff from the top tends to flood the banks below, Down Ballot Candidates for US Senate, US House of Representatives, PA State Senate and PA House of Representatives DO NOT automatically gain from voters for President or Governor. We encourage you to vote the straight party ticket in the general elections, and we also encourage you to learn about all candidates. Every Democrat needs to learn about and VOTE IN EVERY RACE ON THE BALLOT.
Much is at stake when you do not vote down ballot. Local and county governments are the closest to impacting your life and the lives of the people who you love. PA State Representatives and PA State Senators vote on bills concerning:
- education
- energy/renewables
- environment
- budget
- taxes
- individual and municipal rights
- other issues that directly impact you and your family’s everyday lives.
Please Note: In odd-numbered years, candidates for School Director, Court of Common Pleas, and Magisterial District Judge can be cross-listed; therefore, not all candidates appearing as Democrats on the November ballot are actually Democrats. Contact your zone to find out who are actually Democrats and hold Democratic values.
CAN VOTERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW VOTE?
Unlike many states, Pennsylvania permits voting by most individuals who have a legal record. Basically, all can register and vote except those who are currently serving a sentence for a felony (the highest class of offense, more serious than misdemeanors) and who will not be released before the next election.
Or, phrased positively, the following may register and vote if they have been citizens of the United States for at least one month before the next election; have been residents of Pennsylvania and their respective election districts for at least 30 days before the next election; and will be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election:
- Pretrial detainees (individuals who are confined in a penal institution awaiting trial on charges of a felony or a misdemeanor).
Convicted misdemeanants (individuals who are confined in a penal institution for conviction of a misdemeanor only). - Individuals who have been released (or will be released by the date of the next election) from a correctional facility or halfway house upon completion of their term of incarceration for conviction of a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Individuals who are on probation or released on parole, including parolees who are living in a halfway house.
- Individuals who are under house arrest (home confinement), regardless of their conviction status or the status of their conditions of confinement.
Learn More about Voting Rights for Convicted Felons, Convicted Misdemeanants, and Pretrial Detainees.

Voting is the essential act of democracy! There are those who are trying to make it harder to vote, or who question the outcome of fair elections. You can stand up to them by just that simple act of voting, whether in person or by mail.
Has anyone said to you: “But I voted for president the last time around”? Tell them: “Our democratic system has 2 elections a year, every year: a primary election in the spring and a general election in the fall. You don’t vote once every 4 years, you vote 8 times in 4 years! Anyone who votes only in the presidential general election is losing out on 87.5% of the opportunity to be heard at the polls.”
Pennsylvania has about one half million more registered Democrats than Republicans. But Democrats and Republicans are evenly split in the US Congress, have only a one vote majority in the PA General Assembly, and Republicans hold the PA State Senate. Why? A major factor is voter turnout.
Every election matters, whether you are voting for a president who will lead the nation, a school board member who will help set local education policy and budgets, or a senator who will help determine the next appointee to the US Supreme Court.

Why Vote?
Voting is the essential act of democracy! There are those who are trying to make it harder to vote, or who question the outcome of fair elections. You can stand up to them by just that simple act of voting, whether in person or by mail.
Has anyone said to you: “But I voted for president the last time around”? Tell them: “Our democratic system has 2 elections a year, every year: a primary election in the spring and a general election in the fall. You don’t vote once every 4 years, you vote 8 times in 4 years! Anyone who votes only in the presidential general election is losing out on 87.5% of the opportunity to be heard at the polls.”
Pennsylvania has almost a million more Democrats than Republicans. But Democrats have fewer seats in the US Congress and PA General Assembly as Republicans. Why? A major factor is voter turnout.
Every election matters, whether you are voting for a president who will lead the nation, a school board member who will help set local education policy and budgets, or a senator who will help determine the next appointee to the US Supreme Court.

Always vote!
Always Vote Because:
- You want a fair minimum wage and equal pay for equal work.
- You want students to have affordable loans.
- You want the US to catch up to other countries in health care access.
- You want a fair tax code in which the wealthy pay their fair share and the super-wealthy don’t profit from tax havens abroad.
- You want the satisfaction of saying what you want every 6 months.
Vote in the Odd Years Too
Don’t skip voting in odd-year elections because because you don’t think they are important. On the contrary, they shape your daily life. The individuals elected to every single municipal office have an impact on your family’s well-being and the policies that govern your township, school board, and county. For example:
- Tax assessments (which may exceed your federal taxes)
- Attention to climate change & sustainability in strategic planning
- Condition of our streets and sewers; lack of sidewalks and bicycle trails
- Capacity to attract new businesses and new residents
- Criminal justice from streets to courts to prisons to fresh starts
- Schools’ physical, social, and health environment
- Integrity of election procedures
Adapted from the Easttown Dems
WHY VOTE DOWN BALLOT?
What does down ballot even mean? Paying attention to all candidates and casting your vote for EACH & EVERY RACE is called “Voting Down the Ballot.” Democratic executive branch leaders (Governor and President) are severely hampered without a supportive legislative branch (US Congress and PA General Assembly).
- A Democratic president needs Democrat US Senators from PA and Democratic US House of Representatives from PA to get progressive legislation passed.
- A Democratic governor needs Democratic State Senators and Democratic State House Representatives to get progressive legislation passed and to protect his vetoes of objectionable legislation.
- Likewise, with a Republican President or Governor, we need Democrats is both the US Senate and US House and PA State Senate and PA State House to halt the destruction of the what we hold dear.
So getting to the polls or voting by mail for each election is just the first step!
Unlike a river running downstream—where the runoff from the top tends to flood the banks below, Down Ballot Candidates for US Senate, US House of Representatives, PA State Senate and PA House of Representatives DO NOT automatically gain from voters for President or Governor. We encourage you to vote the straight party ticket in the general elections, and we also encourage you to learn about all candidates. Every Democrat needs to learn about and VOTE IN EVERY RACE ON THE BALLOT.
Much is at stake when you do not vote down ballot. Local and county governments are the closest to impacting your life and the lives of the people who you love. PA State Representatives and PA State Senators vote on bills concerning:
- education
- energy/renewables
- environment
- budget
- taxes
- individual and municipal rights
- other issues that directly impact you and your family’s everyday lives.
Please Note: In odd-numbered years, candidates for School Director, Court of Common Pleas, and Magisterial District Judge can be cross-listed; therefore, not all candidates appearing as Democrats on the November ballot are actually Democrats. Contact your zone to find out who are actually Democrats and hold Democratic values.
CAN VOTERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW VOTE?
Unlike many states, Pennsylvania permits voting by most individuals who have a legal record. Basically, all can register and vote except those who are currently serving a sentence for a felony (the highest class of offense, more serious than misdemeanors) and who will not be released before the next election.
Or, phrased positively, the following may register and vote if they have been citizens of the United States for at least one month before the next election; have been residents of Pennsylvania and their respective election districts for at least 30 days before the next election; and will be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election:
- Pretrial detainees (individuals who are confined in a penal institution awaiting trial on charges of a felony or a misdemeanor).
Convicted misdemeanants (individuals who are confined in a penal institution for conviction of a misdemeanor only). - Individuals who have been released (or will be released by the date of the next election) from a correctional facility or halfway house upon completion of their term of incarceration for conviction of a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Individuals who are on probation or released on parole, including parolees who are living in a halfway house.
- Individuals who are under house arrest (home confinement), regardless of their conviction status or the status of their conditions of confinement.
Learn More about Voting Rights for Convicted Felons, Convicted Misdemeanants, and Pretrial Detainees.