On a sunny yet sweltering day, local counties reported a lackluster turnout in a primary election marked by few contentious nomination races.
“Turnout is slow here in Pike,” stated Nadeen Manzoni, the county elections director.
Forrest Lehman, overseeing Lycoming County’s voter registration and election office, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Slow overall.”
Emily Cook, Luzerne County’s elections director, commented, “Turnout is too early to tell but nothing heavy reported.”
Statewide, low participation is also evident, according to Matt Beynon, a political consultant for several candidates including state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne. “But that is expected,” Beynon noted.
Lackawanna County elections director Beth Hopkins reported “very low voter turnout,” with voters experiencing short wait times unlike the lengthy lines seen during presidential elections.
No major voting issues
Election directors contacted by WVIA News confirmed the absence of significant problems or disruptions at polling stations.
Hopkins mentioned, “Just the usual, people calling, saying one of the poll workers isn’t there yet, but they usually arrive within like five minutes. Very normal calls on election morning, nothing out of the ordinary.”
In Luzerne County, Cook reported “nothing major,” despite the county’s history of Election Day challenges. “So far so good,” she said.
Last-minute mail-in ballots
Hopkins urged voters with mail-in ballots to deliver them directly to their county election bureaus or visit a polling place. At polling locations, election workers can void mail-in ballots and issue regular ones. Mailing ballots today risks missing the 8 p.m. deadline for counting.
Contested races in focus
Among the competitive races, Republican voters in the 20th Senate District face a decision between incumbent Lisa Baker and challenger Tyler Meyers. The victor will oppose Jackie Baker, a Democrat, in the general election. The district includes parts of Luzerne and Wayne counties, as well as all of Pike, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties.
Several other contested races include:
● State Sen. Marty Flynn against Jeffrey Lake for the Democratic nomination in the 22nd Senate District covering parts of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
● State Rep. Jamie Walsh versus Bill Jones for the Republican nomination in the 117th House District in eastern Luzerne County.
● Wilkes-Barre City Council President Jessica McClay against Michael Stadulis for the Democratic nomination in the 121st House District.
● Fern Leard against Joanna Bryn Smith for the Democratic nomination in the 120th House District.
In the 114th House District, the Republican nomination is contested between Logan Lombardo and David Burgerhoff.
7th Congressional District race
The Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District seat is also contested. The district spans Carbon and Northampton counties and parts of Monroe and Lehigh counties. Four Democrats are challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who is unopposed for his party’s nomination.
8th Congressional, Pa. gubernatorial
Today’s elections also decide nominees for Congress and the Pennsylvania governor. In the 8th Congressional District, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan are set to become nominees for their respective parties.
For governor, incumbent Josh Shapiro seeks re-election against Republican Stacy Garrity.
Stay connected with WVIA News throughout the day
● WVIA News will provide updates from polling stations and check in with voters and officials throughout the day.
● Live updates will be broadcast on All Things Considered starting at 4 p.m. Host Haley O’Brien will discuss the latest developments with reporters. Listen on-air or online.
● Check back after polls close as WVIA News covers key races in the region.
