Election 2022 : Registration Deadlines Loom, Key Races To Watch

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA — Election Day is looming, and so are voting registration deadlines. There are a number of key races, including a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race that could determine which party controls the senate; a Pennsylvania gubernatorial race to choose outgoing Gov. Tom Wolf's successor and a key Congressional race to determine who represents Pittsburgh in the U.S. House.

Here is a look at key dates, ballot information and some detailed information on the most significant races:

• Polls are open on election day from 7 a.m.-8p.m.
• Last day to register to vote: Oct. 24.
• Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: Nov. 1.
• Click here to download an absentee ballot application.
• Click here to download a mail-in ballot application.
• Click here to check the status of your mail-in or absentee ballot request.
• Click here to find a sample ballot for your community.
• Emergency absentee voting: If an emergency arises (such as an unexpected illness or disability or last-minute absence) after the Oct. 24application deadline, call the county Board of Elections for information on the Emergency Alternative Ballot

Key Races, Issues

Pennsylvania U.S. Senate: Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman faces celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz to cap a vitriolic campaign that saw both candidates go for their opponent's jugular, often at the expense of focusing on policy issues. Fetterman has a substantial fundraising edge over Oz, but Oz has significantly tightened the race in the polls in recent weeks. The election will determine who succeeds retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey.

Pennsylvania Governor: Democratic state Attorney General Josh Shapiro squares off against Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano who serves parts of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. Shapiro perhaps is best-known for spearheading an investigation that in 2020 identified more than 300 predator priests in Pennsylvania - including 99 in Pittsburgh. Mastriano is far-right in his political positions and participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The pair are vying to succeed outgoing Gov. Tom Wolf, who is prohibited by law from seeking a third term.

U.S. House: In Western Pennsylvania, the key race is in the 12th District - which includes Pittsburgh - as two candidates hope to replace the retiring Democratic Rep. Mike Doyle. State Rep. Summer Lee, a progressive Democrat is running against Republican Mike Doyle, the council president in the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum. There is concern in the Lee Camp that voters could confuse her opponent with the current incumbent and vote for him because they have identical names.

Pittsburgh City Council: A special election is being held in District 5 to fill the seat vacated when Corey O' Connor became Allegheny County controller over the summer. Democratic community activist Barbara Warwick is the favorite in the heavily blue district, but she will be challenged by Republican Eugene Bokor and independent candidates Matthew Mahoney and Robert McCune.

Allegheny County Ballot Question: In February, County Council passed legislation proposing an amendment to the county Home Rule Charter requiring council members to resign from office before they may run for federal, state, county and local elected office. The proposed amendment
would remove that requirement.