Lehigh Valley Politics and Election News

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.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk discussed his philosophy for city government during an hour-long address to the Lehigh County League of Women Voters on Monday.

Doug Mastriano called for restricting rights of trans students in schools and ending pandemic mandates if elected as governor of Pennsylvania.

Attorneys for Lehigh County and the America First Legal Foundation made their cases in a lawsuit that seeks to determine how Lehigh County will use ballot drop boxes in the upcoming election.

More early voting options now available in Northampton County

The men sounded off on issues respectfully in Allentown

Democratic incumbent Susan Wild and Republican challenger Lisa Scheller faced off in a lively first debate for PA-7. The heated exchanges were dwarfed by the unruly crowd, which shouted and jeered throughout the debate. During a break, show staff asked the audience to refrain from cursing during taping.

Northampton County voters can now register and vote in the same visit for the November election.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong says that regardless of a lawsuit filed by former Trump administration officials, the county will use its five drop boxes in the upcoming election.

Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman says more than 5 million residents have used mail-in voting since 2020.

The vote will uphold the 2019 measure allowing any voter to use a mail-in ballot.

Activists are grateful to Gov. Tom Wolf for launching a suit that opposes proposed amendments to the state constitution.

Councilwoman Taiba Sultana said she hopes her resolution will spark change.