elections
States that send a mail ballot to every voter really do increase turnout, scholars find
Lately, a rough consensus has emerged among people who study the impact of voting policies: Though they often spark fierce partisan fighting, most changes to voting laws do little to affect overall turnout, much less election results. But one fast-growing reform appears to stand out as an exception. When every registered voter gets sent a […]
Ohio voters reject Issue 1 constitutional amendment changes, the Associated Press projects
Ohio voters have rejected state Issue 1, which sought to make it harder for voters to pass constitutional amendments, the Associated Press has projected. The full counting of unofficial results is ongoing, but the AP has officially projected that the “No” side has won. As of 9:30 p.m., with half of precincts counted statewide, the […]
Shapiro taps former Philadelphia commissioner to serve as Pa.’s top election official
Al Schmidt, the current president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, will be nominated to oversee the Pennsylvania Department of State, which handles elections, as secretary of state, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro announced Thursday morning.
Pa. Senate approves legislation prohibiting third parties from funding elections
The upper chamber voted 37-12 on Wednesday to approve a bill sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne, that requires state and local governments to use public funding derived from taxes and fees to pay for election operations.
Voters often parrot the party line, even when polls suggest otherwise | Analysis
Pollsters build their surveys around the idea that voters begin with firm beliefs. In reality, they tend to parrot the party line.
Republican David Rowe wins special election for state House seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Keller
Rowe garnered 63 percent of the vote in the 85th District, according to unofficial results from the Department of State.
Fresh off his second mayoral loss, Philadelphia senator announces plan to transform city’s elections
Other Democratic lawmakers introduced a raft of proposals to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to register to vote and cast their ballot.
Union-driven campaigns have helped Pa. Democrats flip red seats. Could it notch them one more victory?
Union-backed Democrat Sam Doctor is taking on Republican Marci Mustello in the May 21 special election.
Special election to replace resigning Ellis to take place on primary day
The open Butler County house seat once held by Republican Rep. Brian Ellis, who resigned earlier this week following sexual assault allegations, will be filled in a special election May 21st — the same day as the state’s municipal primaries. House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, announced the date Wednesday. Candidates will be chosen the local […]
Democrats easily hold on to suburban Scranton state House district in special election
The final margin was a blowout, as Kosierowski won 62-38, according to unofficial results. Turnout was a little less than 25 percent.
A special election in suburban Scranton will test Democrats’ hold on the northeast
“If the GOP does win, it’s a great way to start of special election season,” Republican political operative Chris Nicholas said. “No one thinks the GOP is gonna switch the seat in Philly.”
Western Pa. state Senate candidates trade second round of attacks in new ads
Editor’s note: This story was corrected to reflect that Democrat Matt Smith held the 37th from 2013 to 2015.* Candidates vying for a state Senate seat in suburban Pittsburgh released dueling attack ads Friday, less than a month before a highly watched special election. Pam Iovino, a Democratic Navy veteran and former cabinet assistant secretary, […]