Pennsylvania Primary Day: Low Voter Turnout Expected
Pennsylvania voters cast their ballots in the state’s primary election on Tuesday. However, local officials anticipate low voter turnout despite it being a presidential election year. Both major party candidates have secured enough delegates to ensure their nominations, leading to a lack of enthusiasm among voters.
At 7 a.m. when polling places opened, turnout was sparse. Sarah Hampton, 26, of Pittsburgh was among the first to cast her primary vote at St. Paul Baptist Church in Point Breeze. She said she was voting for Rep. Summer Lee and “uncommitted” for President Biden.
At first glance, the voting precincts at Plum High School appeared to be packed as the parking lots were filled. However, this was because teachers were reporting to the building for an in-service day while students had the day off. At the two voting precincts themselves, all was quiet. At the Plum 19 precinct, only seven voters had cast ballots by 7:45 a.m.
Allegheny County spokeswoman Abigail Gardner reported that polls opened at 7 a.m. at 1,327 precincts in Allegheny County. Sixty-two polling places have changed since the last election in November. All affected households received a notification in the mail last week of their new polling place. Posters have been placed at all previous polling places with addresses to direct people to the new location.
Voters are reminded they can check their polling place at the state website before they vote by entering their address. Polls will remain open until 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
