Every Election Is Important: Pa. Primary Just Around the Corner

Every Election Is Important: Pa. Primary Just Around the Corner

Peter Calcara By Peter N. Calcara, PICPA Vice President – Government Relations

Red, white, and blue "Vote" button

Pennsylvania holds its primary elections on Tuesday, May 16. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.

This year’s slate is mostly municipal elections. Many view these posts as mundane, but, in many respects, they are just as important as many of the more high-profile elections. Yes, these elections do not attract the media attention or money that national and upper-echelon state elections do, but they are critical in determining who will sit in your county courthouse and run your township, boroughs, and school boards.

In 2023, voters will nominate judicial candidates for Pennsylvania’s highest court, its two appellate courts, and local judges, and will draw up the slate for numerous county and local offices. In Philadelphia, the mayoral race is the big draw and PICPA member Christy Brady, CPA, is running for controller. Voters in Allegheny County get to pick a new county chief executive. Statewide, the highest profile race on the ballot is for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the oldest appellate court in the nation, due to the untimely death of Chief Justice Max Baer late in 2022.

In Pennsylvania’s primary elections, you may only vote for candidates in the same political party that you have named in your voter registration. The Pennsylvania Department of State has more information on who’s eligible to vote and other deadlines. The Department of State's polling place search tool can help you locate your correct polling place. You will need to enter your county and city of residence, your street name, house number, and zip code.

Here is a look at the candidates vying for the open state appellate court seats.

Supreme Court – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation.

Superior Court – The Superior Court was established in 1895 and is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts.

Commonwealth Court – The Commonwealth Court is primarily responsible for matters involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. It also acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against the commonwealth.

Elections have consequences. The CPA-PAC Board encourages PICPA members to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues before going into the voting booth on May 16. Your vote matters.

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Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.