To the Voters of Ward 1 in Greencastle (and my friends and supporters, too) --

Thank you for visiting this page about my candidacy for the Judge of Elections for Ward 1 here in Greencastle, PA.

I am running for this elected position because in my retirement years, I want to give back to my community. In response to the current moment in history, I have been thinking about running for political office, so last year, I decided to find out more about the opportunities locally where individuals are needed to step up and participate in democracy. I visited with Greencastle mayor Ben Thomas, started attending school board meetings and borough council meetings, and began learning more about how our town and township work within the larger frameworks of Franklin County.

The position of "Judge of Elections" is an important one - yet voters may not know that the role exists or what the duties are in any given election. Below is a little bit of information about that in case you're not familiar. With stories about voter suppression and voter fraud in the news, some voters may wonder whether their polling place is safe and secure or if their votes will be accurately counted. The Judge of Elections role is one way that election officials ensure that voting is a fair and nonpartisan process.

Every vote and voter is important and matters. Our participation in the democratic process matters, too. If voters drop out - if we don't participate in democracy - then we are in danger of losing it. And if regular men and women, who, like me, aren't millionaires or CEOs or career politicians, don't step up to run for office, then our voices aren't at the table when decisions are made that impact us all. This election is a first for me, but it won't be my last. I've decided to step up, and I am asking you to vote for me, if you live in Ward 1, and to support my candidacy by contacting your friends and neighbors who live in Ward 1 to do the same.

Thank you again for visiting this page and for your interest in my candidacy. Election day is November 2, and mail in ballots will be out sometime after Labor Day. If you would like to get in touch with me, please call or text me at 814-767-0386. You can also fill out the form below to touch base as well.

Nick Mowen
Ward 1 Resident (102 Carowinds Drive, Greencastle)

What is the role of the "Judge of Elections"?

The Judge of Elections has a duty to maintain order and ensure that the rules are being followed at the polling place. A Judge of Elections may call upon a constable, deputy constable, police officer, or other peace officer to aid in maintaining order, if necessary. If a poll watcher or worker at the polling site challenges a voter's eligibility to vote, the Judge of Election is the arbiter.

The Judge of Elections has the obligation to determine if the challenge is based on actual evidence and whether there is a good faith basis to believe that the person is not or may not be a qualified elector.
The race, ethnicity, national origin, language, and religion of a person presenting themselves to vote are not sufficient bases for mounting a challenge. Discriminatory challenges that interfere with the free exercise of the elective franchise are unlawful under Pennsylvania law.
The Judge of Elections must not permit routine or frivolous challenges that are not supported by a stated good faith basis and evidence that a person is or may not be eligible.
The Judge of Elections may not affirm a challenge or refuse a ballot to a voter unless the election officers of the precinct (Judge of Elections, Majority and Minority Inspectors) are satisfied that the challenger has proven the voter's ineligibility on proper grounds and with sufficient evidence. The elected officers of the precinct have the responsibility of determining the qualifications of the person presenting themselves to vote. In the event of a disagreement, the Judge of Elections decides.

Greencastle Borough Ward 1

Greencastle Borough, Franklin Counting Voting Wards

Voters in Ward 1 cast ballots at the Grace United Church of Christ polling location. To find out the specific wards for homes in Greencastle Borough, voters can use the official "Find Your District" tool on the Pennsylvania Voter Services website.

Using the PA Voter Services Website

Go to the "Find Your District" page on the PA Voter Services site: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/FindYourDistrict.aspx.
Enter your home address.
The search results will provide your voting information, including your ward. You can also verify your registration status and find your polling place on the same website.