Request Campaign Finance Records Under PRA - Philadelphia

Elections and Campaign Finance Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania you can obtain campaign finance records by filing a public-records request under the state public-records framework. Begin by identifying the city office or campaign filings you need, then submit a Right-to-Know or public-records request following the City of Philadelphia guidance Right-to-Know request instructions[1]. If the city denies or does not respond, appeals can be filed with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records for review and possible orders to disclose Pennsylvania Office of Open Records[2].

Start by naming the specific candidate, committee, filing period, and document type in your request.

What records to request

Common campaign finance records include contribution and expenditure reports, committee registration forms, supplemental disclosures, and supporting schedules. For municipal campaigns, filings and registries may be held by the City office that oversees campaign reporting or by the municipal Board of Ethics; identify the custodian before you file.

How to make a request

  • Identify the records: candidate/committee name, date range, and specific report types.
  • Choose a submission method: online portal, email, or mailed written request per the city's instructions.
  • Include contact details, preferred format (PDF, CSV), and any fee agreement if the request anticipates copying costs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for wrongful denial or failure to respond operates through the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records and the City of Philadelphia's records processes. The municipal custodian is responsible for initial production; the OOR can review appeals, issue final determinations, and may order disclosure or fee waivers. Specific monetary fines for withholding campaign finance records by a city office are not specified on the cited pages; see the OOR rules for remedies and possible fee awards on appeal.[2]

If a request is denied, file an administrative appeal promptly with the OOR and follow the city's appeal instructions.

Escalation, sanctions, and appeals

  • Initial enforcement: the city records custodian evaluates and responds to requests.
  • Appeal: file to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records for review and final determination.[2]
  • Monetary penalties or fee awards: not specified on the cited pages; the OOR decision templates describe remedies and fee-related orders.
  • Non-monetary remedies: disclosure orders, redaction guidance, and remand to the custodian for re-processing.
  • Time limits: consult the OOR appeal instructions for filing deadlines and procedures.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes instructions and the accepted submission methods for Right-to-Know or public-records requests; use the city's online request form or the written request template linked on the city page. If a campaign finance office publishes a dedicated form for campaign filings, follow that office's submission rules. If no specific form for records requests is posted, a written request that identifies the records is normally accepted.[1]

Requests should be as specific as possible to speed retrieval and reduce costs.

Action steps

  • Search municipal websites and confirm the custodian for campaign finance filings.
  • Submit a Right-to-Know or public-records request with clear identifiers and format preferences.
  • Track deadlines and, if denied, prepare an appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
  • Pay any reasonable duplication fees or request a fee waiver if applicable.

FAQ

Who holds city campaign finance records?
Municipal campaign finance filings are held by the city office responsible for campaign reporting or the municipal Board of Ethics; check the city's records guidance to identify the custodian.
How long does the city have to respond to a request?
Response times are governed by the city's public-records procedures; consult the city's Right-to-Know instructions linked above for specific response timelines.[1]
What if the city denies my request?
You may appeal the denial to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records for review and possible disclosure orders.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the campaign, committee, date range, and document types you need.
  2. File a Right-to-Know/public-records request through the City's online portal or by mail per the city's instructions.
  3. Receive the agency response; request clarifications or narrow the scope if needed to reduce fees.
  4. If denied, file an appeal with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records following their procedure and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the City's Right-to-Know guidance to route requests to the correct custodian.
  • Be specific about candidates, dates, and document types to speed fulfillment.
  • Appeals go to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records if the city denies or fails to respond.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Philadelphia - Right-to-Know request instructions
  2. [2] Pennsylvania Office of Open Records

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