On publication of this column the Pennsylvania Primary Election will be only two days away. It would be tempting to disregard the Primary if you are accustomed to voting only in the “General” election in November or, if you vote by mail, you might have already returned your ballot and this exhortation is unnecessary. (Note. If you vote by mail and have not yet returned your ballot maybe you should skip using the mail this time and take your ballot directly to Voters Services or to a certified Ballot box location in your County to assure it arrives on time and is counted for the May 19 deadline.)
Why Primary Elections. At this point I can put on my Social Studies “hat” gained by teaching social studies in Philadelphia for a few years before heading off to law school. It might seem, for instance, that uncontested primaries where there may be political party endorsements and no named challengers are not as important. Not so, of course, where there are clear contests for primary roles as in several other states. There are contests here between members of the same political party but primarily regarding some “down ballot” positions. The contests here except for State committees in primaries are essentially to become the candidate of the party not necessarily to win the position.
Pennsylvania is a “Closed Primary” state meaning that only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic Primary and only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican Primary. Independents, unfortunately, do not get the chance to vote in this and need to wait until November to vote for the positions indicated. This procedure is not true everywhere. There are Open Primaries in several states where members of either party and independents can vote.
Reasons to vote in the Primary Election. Here are some reasons to vote.
- The Primary Election alerts you to what positions are open and available. One of the most significant in Pennsylvania is Governor with Josh Shapiro endorsed by Democrats and Stacy Garrity by Republicans. Lieutenant Governor indicates Austin Davis for Democrats. Two candidates are indicated by Republicans for Lieutenant Governor – John Ventre and Jason Richey. Very important also are candidates for Representatives in Congress and the candidates on your ballot depend on your jurisdiction. Also important are Representatives in the General Assembly which is essentially the State version of House of Representatives. The margins between the parties are very close. The candidates are dependent on your jurisdiction. Finally there are members of the State Committees for Democrat and for Republican and your local Committee Persons.
- You indicate your choices. This is obvious. What might not be so obvious is that you also choose the members of your State Committee for the Political Party to which you belong. The State Committee helps to choose the direction of your party.
- You confirm your registration to vote. It might have been a while since you voted or you might have voted the last time at a different location and since moved. This gives you the opportunity to confirm that you are, in fact, a registered voter now.
- You have the opportunity to research the background and positions of the candidates for the positions indicated. Often we let things slip between elections and may be unaware of the positions of candidates or even who will be running in November. A primary election can motivate you to research and understand.
- If you are involved and/or concerned regarding the direction your State or the country is taking the time being involved in a primary election is an opportunity to promise to stay involved and stay committed.
Finally. Voting At the Polls on Election Day. If you are voting in person on Election Day at the polls you may want to confirm the current location. Polling places can sometimes change. If you have recently moved you want to know where to go. Have you changed your address for voting
purposes? Your polling place will have a Judge of Elections and election workers who can help. You might receive a provisional ballot where there are questions. If you requested a mail-in ballot but did not complete it bring the entire packet (not just the ballot) with you to the polls or Voter Services/Board of Elections in your County and you will receive instructions.
Voting matters.
Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.
