Nov. 4 is Election Day. Here's a brief overview of what you need to know.
Where to Vote: Polling places are scattered throughout the city and its surrounding areas, but voters must vote at their registered polling location. To find out where you are supposed to cast your ballot, voters can call the Allegheny County Division of Elections at (412) 350-4500 or go visit Allegheny County's website or VotesPA.
When to Vote: As always, it’s better to vote earlier rather than later, but there is plenty of time to cast your ballot on Nov. 4. Polls will be opened from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and those who are in line by 8 p.m. will still be allowed to cast their ballot.
PA Voter ID Law: In May of this year, the PA Supreme Court struck down the state voter ID Law, meaning that you are NOT required to bring a photo ID to the polls in order to cast your ballot. However, a form of identification is required to cast a ballot if you are a first time voter or if you are voting at new to a polling place. You must be registered to vote at the polling place you wish to cast a ballot. For those who are first-time voters, VotesPA has a list of acceptable forms of identification that you can use when voting at the polls.
Registration Status: Registering to vote must be done 30 days before the election in order to cast a ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Obviously, for those who have yet to register, it is too late to do so in order to vote in this year’s primary. However, for those who are unsure about their voter registration status, you can the Pennsylvania State website to check your registration status. You can also call 877-VOTESPA.
On the Ballot: This year’s most talked about election has been the gubernatorial race between Republican Tom Corbett and Democrat Tom Wolf. Voters will also vote for state House and state Senate candidates, as well as U.S. representatives. In the 14th and 18th congressional districts both candidates are running unopposed, and in the 12th Congressional District incumbent Republican Keith Rothfus faces Democrat Erin McClelland.
In the state Senate, both Allegheny County seats are uncontested. In the state House, incumbent Adam Ravenstahl faces Republican Tom Fodi in PA-20, and Representative Jake Wheatley faces an independent challenger in PA-19.
