About Swarthmore — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Delaware County uses the George W. Hill Correctional Facility as its main detention center. Anyone booked into the facility goes through the standard intake process: fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. The public can search for current detainees through an online inmate lookup service. Visitation requires advance appointments and strict adherence to facility rules. Pennsylvania state law governs the bond and bail process, with bail posted either through a bondsman or directly at the facility.
Arrest Records
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and local police departments across the county maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can submit requests to the arresting agency or access information through the Pennsylvania State Police's online portal. A typical arrest record contains personal details of the arrestee, the charges filed, and which agency made the arrest. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law establishes guidelines for accessing these records and ensures government transparency.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Delaware County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides detailed criminal history reports. The Pennsylvania State Police assists in statewide criminal data collection and dissemination, supporting local law enforcement efforts in Delaware County.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates for Swarthmore residents, are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. These records can be requested by submitting an application and payment to the state agency. The Swarthmore Borough Hall also maintains some vital records, such as marriage licenses, which can be requested through the borough office.
Business & Licensing Records
The Swarthmore Business Directory on the borough's website catalogs local businesses and organizations operating within the community. For broader economic development information, the Delaware County Commerce Center tracks registered businesses and initiatives throughout Delaware County, including those in the borough. The Pennsylvania Department of State's Corporation Bureau maintains the official registry of corporations, LLCs, and other business entities operating statewide, which includes Swarthmore-based companies.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and statistics for Swarthmore and the surrounding Delaware County region are available through various sources. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey provides detailed demographic and economic information for the borough, including data on employment, income, and business activity. The Delaware County Commerce Center also tracks economic development and business trends in the county, which can be accessed through their website. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry maintains labor market data and statistics for the state, including the Swarthmore area.
Elections & Voter Records
Swarthmore voters are served by the Delaware County Bureau of Elections, located at Government Center Building, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063 (phone: 610-891-4659, website: delcopa.gov/vote). This office handles voter registration, election administration, and ballot counting for the borough and all other municipalities across Delaware County. The Bureau processes everything from voter registration updates to mail-in ballot applications, recruits poll workers, and certifies results after each election.
Residents can visit the office Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended hours added before major elections. Pennsylvania residents register to vote online at register.votespa.com, the official state portal. The registration deadline falls 15 days before any election. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Pennsylvania residents, and at least 18 years old by the next election date. First-time voters who register by mail need to show identification when they vote initially. The state offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period at county election offices. Automatic voter registration also happens when residents obtain or renew driver's licenses at PennDOT. Municipal elections in the borough determine who fills seven Borough Council seats (four-year staggered terms), the Mayor's office (four-year term), and Tax Collector. These elections take place in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Borough Council typically convenes on the second Monday of each month at Borough Hall, and meeting agendas, minutes, and candidate information appear at swarthmorepa.org. Local ballot measures occasionally surface on issues like bond authorizations or home rule charter amendments. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting vote.pa.gov and entering their address, or by calling the Delaware County Bureau of Elections. Polling locations around town have included Borough Hall, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, and local schools. Polls open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM on Election Day. Pennsylvania's no-excuse mail-in voting allows any registered voter to request a mail ballot through the state's online portal at vote.pa.gov or by submitting a paper application to the Delaware County elections office. Applications must arrive by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day. Completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day through mail (postmarks don't count), in person at the Delaware County elections office, or via official drop boxes located throughout Delaware County. Pennsylvania public records law allows voter registration lists to be purchased for political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of State and accessible at campaignfinance.pa.gov. Candidate filings and nominating petitions are public records available through the Delaware County elections office. Precinct-level results are published by the county after certification and typically appear on the Delaware County website within days of each election. No U.S. Delaware County voters will also decide on county-level offices including County Council seats, row offices, and judicial positions. Swarthmore voters elect state representatives (Delaware County contains portions of multiple legislative districts) and state senators representing their district. Candidate information and sample ballots become available approximately six weeks before Election Day through the Delaware County elections office and at vote.pa.gov.
Public Records Resources for Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Official government websites for Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Pennsylvania Criminal History RecordsFind information on how to obtain a criminal history record in Pennsylvania.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Philadelphia OfficeFederal criminal records, criminal background checks.
- Pennsylvania State PoliceLaw enforcement and highway safety services.
- Pennsylvania InmatesFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the PA Dept. of Corrections.
- Pennsylvania Sex OffendersSearch the PA State Police database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Pennsylvania Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from the PA State Police.
- Pennsylvania Crime Victims AssistanceHelp and services for victims of crime.
- Pennsylvania Game CommissionLicenses, permits, information and more.
- Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts.
- Pennsylvania Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the PA Secretary of State.
- Pennsylvania Death RowPennsylvania's death penalty, execution list, warrant listing and list of individuals executed by lethal injection.
- Pennsylvania Professional License Verifylook up professional Pennsylvania licensing, verify status and eligibility.
Nearby Cities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania?
To register to vote in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Delaware County elections office. Pennsylvania requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Swarthmore, contact the Delaware County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania?
Property records for Swarthmore, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Delaware Board of Assessment Appeals's Office and the Delaware Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Delaware County, including parcels in Swarthmore. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Delaware Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Pennsylvania counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Delaware County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Swarthmore, Pennsylvania residents are available through both county and state offices. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in New Castle, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Delaware County Register of Wills issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Delaware County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.