Pennsylvania – During the primary election on May 18, you’ll see four ballot measures in addition to those regular seats that are up for grabs.
Most notably in the ballot measures, voters will decide two constitutional amendments on the governor’s emergency powers, which have been a point of conflict between the Republican-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf during the coronavirus pandemic.
That’s for two of the measures. One other ballot measure deals with denial of rights based of race or ethnicity, and the other would expands the state’s loan program to volunteer fire companies to municipal fire companies and EMS service nonprofits.
Although primaries are typically reserved for Democrats and Republicans to decide which candidates will represent them in the November general election, these ballot measures can be voted on by anyone, regardless of your party affiliation or lack thereof, as long as you are registered to vote.
The questions can be worded in an odd way sometimes, so we suggest you check out your sample ballot beforehand, read over it, and know who and what you’re voting for before you actually go to your poling place.
CLICK HERE to read the four ballot initiatives in full detail. For an easier to understand version of each question, click the link and look for the “PLAIN ENGLISH” sections.
CLICK HERE for an additional explanation from Ballotpedia. Click on each initiative to learn more about it, read the arguments on both sides, and decide for yourself how you’d like to vote.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. Tuesday morning until 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
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We suggest you visit the sample ballots on the county websites to see your exact ballot and research the candidates.
Other ways of seeing who is on your ballot:
Clearfield County – Select your precinct at the Clearfield County Courthouse website and see a sample ballot (your precinct is listed on your voter registration card)
Jefferson County – Go to the Jefferson County Courthouse website to see what a ballot looks like. The real ballot will also the representatives for your specific district, which are not shown on this sample.
Elk County – The Elk County Courthouse website has information about your polling location and other election information. You can also see who is on the ballot at their sample ballot.
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Listen to Senator Cris Dush’s thoughts on the ballot measures.
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