What to know for Pittsburgh's primary election
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Don't sleep on this spring's Election Day — which is Tuesday, by the way, if you were asleep.
Why it matters: Though just the primary election, it's likely Tuesday's results will determine who holds office next year thanks to Pittsburgh's and Allegheny County's strong Democratic leanings.
- Democratic voters outnumber Republicans almost 2-1 in Allegheny County, according to state voter data.
The intrigue: Pittsburgh's Democratic mayoral contest between incumbent Ed Gainey and challenger Corey O'Connor is the marquee race.
- The winner will face a Republican challenger, but the GOP hasn't held the mayor's office in over 90 years. Read TribLive's guide on the Republican contest.
- Gainey came out of the gate attacking O'Connor over campaign donations, and touts his own housing record, reduction in crime rates and success in growing Pittsburgh's population.
- O'Connor, the Allegheny County controller, has outraised Gainey and been all over the airwaves, criticizing him for failing to hire a permanent police chief and saying the mayor is steering the city finances in the wrong direction.
Caveat: Only city voters decide who Pittsburgh's mayor is. If you live in the suburbs, you will likely have your own borough mayor to vote for.
Zoom in: Allegheny County voters have to pick eight new Common Pleas Court judges this year out of nearly two dozen candidates. Common Pleas judges are responsible for overseeing trials for criminal, civil and family cases and delivering sentencing.
- Read WESA's guide on Common Pleas judge candidates.
Pittsburgh city voters will also see three ballot questions that relate to municipal water system ownership and a fight over city investments. Axios has a guide to assist your decisions.
Zoom out: The top of Republicans' and Democrats' ballots will feature judge candidates for statewide races in the Superior and Commonwealth courts.
- SpotlightPA has a guide on statewide judge candidates.
If you are voting in person at the polling place for the first time, bring a photo ID because poll workers may request it.
- Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
- Find your polling place here.