Green Party of Pennsylvania v. Department of State Bureau of Commissions

When interpreting provisions of the Election Code, at least three basic principles must be considered and applied. First, the Election Code “speaks to the ordinary citizen” and its plain language. must be read “in a common sense fashion as “expanding, and not contracting” applicable time periods. In re Nomination of Lahr, 577 Pa. 1, 842 A.2d 327, 332 (2004). Second, the Election Code “must be liberally construed to protect a candidate’s right to run for office and the voters’ right to elect the candidate of their choice.” In re James, 596 Pa. 442, 944 A.2d 69, 72 (2008); Petition of Ross, 411…