This time next week, thousands of polling places across the commonwealth will be open to Pennsylvania voters for a pivotal midterm election. It’s pivotal because:

👉 In Washington, Democrats need a net gain of three seats for a majority in the US House of Representatives. It just so happens that Pennsylvania has several very competitive US House races where the Democratic challengers have a legitimate shot at defeating the Republican incumbents. (Pennsylvania has no seats up for grabs in the US Senate this year, where Democrats have longer odds to take control of the upper chamber.)

👉 In Harrisburg, Democrats have a clear path to taking control of all three branches of state government for the first time since 1993. They can pull off a trifecta by scoring a net gain of three seats in the state Senate, where 25 of the 50 seats are up for grabs; holding on to their razor-thin 103-102 majority in the state House, where all seats are in play; and if incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro can hold off a challenge from Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

In this special edition of the Keystone newsletter, we’re highlighting key races and other important things you need to know ahead of Election Day. And if you know someone who needs help getting ballot-ready, forward this email to them!

Patrick Berkery

Senior Newsletter Editor, The Keystone

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First things first…

Beyond the federal and state-level races, there are multiple municipal races on ballots throughout the state next week. Ballotpedia is a great resource to learn about the races in your area.

You can also find a sample ballot for your area via Ballotpedia.

Other things you should know about headed into Election Day:

✅ If you’re voting by mail, your completed ballot must be received by your county election board office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark by 8 p.m. Nov. 3 is not sufficient. You can mail it in, drop it off in person at the county election board office or, if they’re available in your county, a designated drop box. Find your local office using this tool.

✅ If you plan to vote in person and aren’t sure where to go, you can find your polling place here.

✅ You can check your voter registration status here and make sure all your information is accurate.

One big issue: Data centers

The race to build data centers, which power artificial intelligence and cloud computing, is a huge issue among Pennsylvania voters, for whom the cost of powering data centers has become deeply intertwined with concerns about the cost of living and quality of life.

Subsequently, it’s become a huge issue for candidates, some of whom are pivoting on data centers amid frustration from constituents who don’t want to live near the massive warehouse campuses.

Here’s why Pa. communities are pushing back against data centers

The race for governor

(L-R) Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

As Pennsylvania’s top elected official, the governor proposes state budgets, has the power to sign into law or veto bills passed by state legislators, approve congressional maps, and issue executive orders. In other words, it’s an extremely important position.

Shapiro defeated Donald Trump-endorsed Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano by 15 points in 2022. Garrity, who has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results, also carries Trump’s stamp of approval.

A quick look at where the candidates stand on some of the big issues:

➡️ Data centers

➡️ Property taxes

➡️ Pennsylvania’s housing crisis

➡️ AI

Here’s more on where the candidates stand on other key issues, from their Oct. 7 debate.

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Key state Senate races

The elected officials in the Pennsylvania House and Senate arguably have the most impact on the day-to-day lives of Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania’s state legislators are crucial in determining what democracy will look like in the commonwealth. Issues like abortion, education, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, workers’ rights, elections, healthcare, voting rights, housing, gun control, marijuana legalization, criminal justice reform, and more are in their hands. They craft, then vote on the bills that get sent to Gov. Shapiro’s desk.

With Democrats needing just three Senate seats for a trifecta, here’s a look at five races in the upper chamber that could shift the balance of power in Harrisburg.