Pennsylvania primary election 2022: Everything you need to know

Primary election day has arrived.

What's happening: Pennsylvania voters head to the polls Monday to cast ballots for candidates vying for the governor's mansion, U.S. Senate and House seats, and other state and local offices.

• Philadelphia voters also will be asked to weigh in on four ballot questions.

The big picture: The race to replace retiring Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is one of the most closely watched — and expensive — in the nation.

• Meanwhile, control of the governor's mansion is likely to determine the fate of abortion access in the Keystone State, should the U.S. Supreme Court follow through with a leaked draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

What they're saying: Matthew Kerbel, a political science expert from Villanova University, said Donald Trump's influence in Pennsylvania's GOP primaries, particularly in the Senate race, remains an open question.

• "It's almost as if Donald Trump is the establishment. He's chosen his candidate [Mehmet Oz for Senate], but the base has not fallen in line," he said, noting Republican candidate Kathy Barnette's late surge in popularity.
• Kerbel said primaries tend to draw out voters who are engaged in politics and on the extreme flanks of the parties.

Of note: Democrat Mike Driscoll is running uncontested in the special election for the vacant 6th District City Council seat in Northeast Philadelphia.

• The seat became vacant earlier this year when disgraced legislator Bobby Henon, a Democrat, resigned following his conviction on federal corruption charges.

Be smart: Polls are open from 7am-8pm today. Find your polling place by visiting the city's website.

• Mail-in ballots must be submitted to county election officials by 8pm. More than a dozen ballot drop boxes are scattered across the city.

Go deeper: Read our primary election guides for the top races and ballot questions:

• U.S. Senate race.
• Governor's race.
• Ballot questions.

Plus: For a full list of candidates running for office, visit the Philadelphia City Commissioners' website.