Low Pennsylvania primary turnout and races that followed the party line shed light on what voters can expect this November. As sleepy as the primaries were, political analysts expect high turnout, lots of political spending and hotly contested races in the fall.
This election will decide which party will control the state Legislature, which could have long-term impacts on national politics. With three Congressional races considered toss-ups by the Cook Political Report, control of the U.S. House of Representatives also runs through the Keystone State.
Now that former TV anchor Janelle Stelson has defeated Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. She will now face Congressman Scott Perry in the November general election.
But there are many other state House and Senate candidates who punched their tickets, too.
More than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary election, accounting for about one out of four registered Democrats and Republicans eligible to vote.
There were no significant disruptions to polling sites. Secretary of State Al Schmidt said Tuesday’s smooth voting process is thanks to at least 45,000 poll workers.