Who Elects a Constable
| Municipality | Constables elected | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Township | One constable. A first-class township may elect one more. | § 7114(a) |
| Borough (no wards) | One constable | § 7113(a) |
| Borough with wards | One constable per ward, plus a high constable | § 7113(b) |
| Second- and third-class city | One constable per ward | § 7112 |
| First-class city (Philadelphia) | None. The office was abolished in 1970. | § 7103 |
Constables run in the odd-year municipal elections, alongside other local offices. In our region, this means each ward of cities such as Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and Hazleton elects its own constable.
Source: 44 Pa.C.S. Chapter 71, Subchapter B.
Path to Office
File nominating petitions
Candidates circulate nominating petitions and file them with the county board of elections in the late winter before the primary. Your county election office publishes the filing dates and signature requirements.
Municipal primary (May)
Candidates seek a party nomination in the spring municipal primary. Write-in votes can also win a nomination.
Municipal election (November)
Voters elect the constable in the November municipal election. Many seats are decided by write-in votes, and some ties are settled by lot.
Accept the office & file insurance
The constable-elect accepts the office. Before performing judicial duties, they must also file proof of liability insurance with the Clerk of Courts (§§ 7114(b), 7142(b)).
Get certified
Newly elected constables send their election certificate to PCCD and complete Basic Training before performing judicial duties. They then complete Continuing Education every year (§§ 7142, 7145–7146).
Terms of Office
The term of office is six years (44 Pa.C.S. § 7111). The constables listed in this site's directory were elected in November 2021, and their terms run through January 2028.
| Election | Term begins | Term ends |
|---|---|---|
| November 2021 | January 2022 | January 2028 |
| November 2027 | January 2028 | January 2034 |
The 2027 municipal primary is expected on May 18, 2027 and the municipal election on November 2, 2027, following the Election Code's fixed schedule. Confirm with your county election office.
Who Oversees What
No single agency runs the office of constable. Each part of the job is overseen by a different body:
Deputy Constables
Only the elected constable can appoint deputies, and each appointment must be approved by the Court of Common Pleas. A deputy must live in the same ward, borough, or township when appointed and for as long as they serve. The constable is responsible for the deputy's acts, and deputies must meet the same certification and insurance requirements (44 Pa.C.S. §§ 7122, 7142).
Note: The Find Your Constable directory lists elected constables only. Deputies are not included.
Vacancies & Removal
Vacancies. If the office becomes vacant, the Court of Common Pleas appoints a suitable person to serve the rest of the term. The court acts on a petition signed by at least ten qualified electors of the borough, city, ward, or township (44 Pa.C.S. § 7121). Lancaster County gives the same process for seats where no one was elected.
Removal. The Court of Common Pleas can require additional security from a constable, or remove the constable and appoint a replacement. The court acts on a verified petition, for reasons including neglect of duty or oppression of a litigant or witness (§ 7172).