2025 General Election
Today is General Election Day. This year’s elections are mainly municipal, for local authorities such as the mayor, city council, sheriff, and others who make the decisions at the local level. There is a major statewide vote going on today, a retention vote for three of the seven Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices, Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht. In PA, Supreme Court Justices may serve an unlimited number of 10-year terms, but must retire at 75; every 10 years, a retention vote is held for each justice. If the voters determine that the judge should not remain in their position, a new election will be held for a replacement in 2027, and an interim judge will be appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro.
Another interesting race this year is taking place in Erie County, a republican candidate for County Council, Renee Vendetti, passed away in October, but is still on the ballot. If she defeats her opponent, Jim Wertz, the Erie County Council has the right to pick the new councilor.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote; any mail-in ballots must be received at your county election office by 8 p.m. Remember that if you are voting at a new location for the first time, you must bring a valid form of identification, or you may only cast a provisional ballot. For more information, visit PA.gov/agencies/vote.