Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

Northampton County's standard pre-election testing of voting machines drew new scrutiny Monday, as officials seek to avoid another election rattled by machine errors.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey visited the Lehigh Valley on Monday to raise awareness of the PACT Act. Government officials believe veterans may not be aware of expanded health care benefits that they're eligible for since Congress passed the law in 2022.

A Pennsylvania Supreme Court case delayed counties from sending out ballots, leaving voters with less time than usual to send them back in. Northampton County officials are encouraging voters to use drop boxes as a result.

Registered Democrats, Republicans and a few independents who register by Monday, April 8, can cast a ballot in the April 23 primary election.

The former president will visit Schnecksville Fire Hall in North Whitehall Township on Saturday, April 13 — his first visit to the Lehigh Valley since days before the 2020 election.

Kevin Dellicker, Maria Montero and Ryan Mackenzie, the Republicans running for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, spell out what's needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. (Fifth of five parts)

The three conservatives running for the Lehigh Valley's 7th Congressional District seat agreed that Congress must cut spending to address the nation's record-high national debt. (Fourth of five parts)

The three GOP candidates for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District discussed cutting taxes, reducing regulations and passing a balanced budget amendment as ways to improve the U.S. economy. (Third of five parts)

Maria Montero, Kevin Dellicker and Ryan Mackenzie discuss isolationism, NATO and the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. The three Republicans are vying for the GOP nomination in the 7th Congressional District to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley. (Second of five parts)

After an issue with Northampton County's voting machines disrupted November's general election, the battery of tests designed to make sure equipment works has drawn new scrutiny.

Incumbent Easton City Council members Taiba Sultana and Roger Ruggles lost in the Democratic primary, according to unofficial election returns. Susan Hartranft-Bittinger defeated Sultana and Frank Graziano outpaced Ruggles.

Polling places across the Lehigh Valley faced mainly light turnout throughout Primary Election Day, with early morning turnout lagging.

So far, two Macungie residents have applied to fill an open seat on the borough council. On Monday, the body's current members asked them a few questions.

In this week's episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick talk about the Lehigh Valley's "packed primary" and the highly contested races to keep an eye on.

Tuesday, May 20, is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. Several high-profile local races are on the ballot in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Check out our procrastinator's guide and Q&A.

More than 48,000 people have requested a mail-in ballot in Lehigh and Northampton counties ahead of Tuesday's primary election. Even if thousands of those never get turned in, it should mark an increase from the 2021 local primary.

In Tuesday's Democratic primary election, two challengers are on the ballot to face off against incumbent council members Roger Ruggles and Taiba Sultana.

Republicans Roger MacLean and Mike Welsh have spent less than $8,000 combined on their race. Meanwhile, their Democratic opponent Josh Siegel has amassed more than $180,000 in his war chest. The primary election is Tuesday, May 20.

Republicans Roger MacLean and Mike Welsh contend they're each the best person to end their party's 20-year losing streak in the Lehigh County executive race. The winner of the May primary will take on Democrat Josh Siegel in the November race.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong joins Tom Shortell on this week's episode of Political Pulse to explain how county government fills vital social service roles and what duties come with the county executive role.

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski and former county registrar Amy Cozze are locked in the county's most expensive primary battle since 2013.

Matt Tuerk on Monday hit out at Ed Zucal for new campaign mailers and actively courting Republican support in the final weeks of his campaign.