Independent voters now number more than 1 million and account for 15% of all registered voters, yet they are shut out of casting a primary ballot for key positions like governor and U.S. senator.
Because of census data delays, lawmakers have only a few months to create final congressional and legislative maps in time for the spring 2022 primary.
Allegheny County is expanding hours for its office and lobby, starting Oct. 26. There will also be additional election offices open starting this coming weekend.
The ballot includes an important statewide question on property tax and issues that might prompt ho-hum voters to pay attention to an election that lacks a marquee race.