Pennsylvania
A political party is recognized as such by the state when "one of [its] candidates at the general election next preceding the primary polled in each of at least 10 counties of the state not less than 2 percent of the largest entire vote cast in each of said counties for any elected candidate, and polled a total vote in the state equal to at least 2 percent of the largest entire vote cast in the state for any elected candidate."
Further, political parties whose "statewide registration is less than 15 percent of the combined statewide registration for all statewide political parties as of the close of the registration period immediately preceding the most recent November election" are classified as "minor political parties." Minor political parties are not eligible to participate in primaries and may only field candidates for the general election via nomination papers (see this article for more information).
Political parties whose statewide registration is 15 percent or greater of the combined statewide registration for all statewide political parties nominate their candidates for office via primary.
The relevant statutes do not establish a process whereby groups of voters may petition to be recognized as a political party. Instead, any group of voters that does not qualify as a political party is considered a "political body."
Candidates running for office as affiliates of a political body may designate the body in no more than three words on their nomination papers. Political body designations will appear on the ballot alongside the candidate's name.
Further, political parties whose "statewide registration is less than 15 percent of the combined statewide registration for all statewide political parties as of the close of the registration period immediately preceding the most recent November election" are classified as "minor political parties." Minor political parties are not eligible to participate in primaries and may only field candidates for the general election via nomination papers (see this article for more information).
Political parties whose statewide registration is 15 percent or greater of the combined statewide registration for all statewide political parties nominate their candidates for office via primary.
The relevant statutes do not establish a process whereby groups of voters may petition to be recognized as a political party. Instead, any group of voters that does not qualify as a political party is considered a "political body."
Candidates running for office as affiliates of a political body may designate the body in no more than three words on their nomination papers. Political body designations will appear on the ballot alongside the candidate's name.
As of May 2017, Pennsylvania officially recognized two political parties: the Democraticand Republican parties.
Democratic Party of Pennsylvania Link Party bylaws
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Link Party platform
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Link Party platform
See statutes: Article 8, Section 801 of the Pennsylvania Election Code
