Pennsylvania residents are waking up this morning to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. on November 3, and any voter still in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Key Races on the Ballot
Governor’s race: Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro faces Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Both candidates ran unopposed in their respective primaries. Since the primary, they have sparred over issues such as data‑center development, Medicaid coverage, and the state gas tax.
During a recent Harrisburg debate, Shapiro criticized a federal bill that would cut Medicaid and SNAP funding for rural hospitals, calling it a tax cut for the wealthy. Garrity responded that Medicaid is not being eliminated; in fact, the state is spending more on Medicaid this year than last.
Legislative Stakes
Half of the Pennsylvania Senate’s 50 seats and all 203 House seats are up for election. Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the House, while Republicans have a slight edge in the Senate. Republicans also maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House delegation from Pennsylvania, and a few competitive districts could determine whether that majority persists.
According to the Associated Press, Shapiro is investing heavily to keep both chambers under Democratic control and to flip four congressional seats. Success in swing counties such as Beaver, Luzerne, and Erie could help the governor make a case for winning back working‑class voters who drifted away during the Trump era.
Allegheny County Ballot Question
Voters in Allegheny County will decide whether county council members should be granted access to benefits, personal staff, and district offices—privileges currently prohibited by the Home Rule Charter. A “yes” vote would allow council members to receive funding for personal staff, local offices, health and life insurance, pensions, and even personal vehicles. A “no” vote would keep the existing restrictions.
Voter Registration and Eligibility
As of October 19, Pennsylvania has over 9 million registered voters. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 3.8 million to 3.6 million, with about 1.5 million listed as “other.” To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen (or become one at least one month before the election), be registered at least 15 days prior, reside in the election district for at least 30 days, and be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
Identification Requirements
First‑time voters at a new polling place must present photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID, any commonwealth‑issued ID, a U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, or employee ID. Non‑photo IDs such as a voter registration card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check are also accepted.
Mail‑In and Absentee Ballots
Mail‑in ballots must be received by the county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Night. Voters who miss the deadline due to an emergency may still request a ballot, though they should contact their county office promptly.
Reporting Problems at the Polls
If you encounter any issue at your polling location, the Pennsylvania Department of State urges you to call 1‑877‑VOTESPA (1‑877‑868‑3772). Report suspected rule violations, request assistance for disabilities or language barriers, or inquire about provisional ballots if your eligibility is questioned.
For a full list of polling locations, enter your address on the state’s voter portal. Stay informed and exercise your constitutional right to vote.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
