Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

This ordinance proposes an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to allow City officers and employees to run for public office without resigning their current positions. The proposal will be submitted to voters for approval or disapproval at a special election. The original bill (241056) scheduled this election for May 20, 2025. However, an amended version (Bill No. 241056, As Amended, 11/19/25) moved the election date to May 19, 2026, and slightly rephrased the ballot question to specifically mention elected City officials running for state or federal office.

Voters will decide whether City officials can run for other elected positions without resigning, potentially impacting the focus and accountability of their current roles.

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