Parts of Cumberland and Adams counties are involved in a special election to fill a vacant spot in the 193rd District.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Polling places in Adams and Cumberland Counties remain open for a special election until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The election will determine who will fill the seat left by Representative Torren Ecker in the Pennsylvania State House, where Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority.
The two candidates on the ballot are Republican Catherine Wallen and Democrat Todd Crawley.
Voter Ron Jones, of Dickinson township, cast his vote at the Dickinson Township Municipal building Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s super important because there’s such a very narrow margin in the House,” Jones said.
Dr. Fletcher McClellan, a professor of political science at Elizabethtown College, says Republicans have historically held the 193rd District.
“This is a district that Republicans should expect to hold,” McClellan said.
He does not expect that to change this special election.
“We’re seeing higher turnouts in these special elections in the past year,” he said. “People are certainly much more aware of what is going on nationally, and there’s some national influence in local races.”
The winner will hold the seat for the rest of the year.
McClellan expects a greater voter turnout in the fall, which could sway the balance of power even more, regardless of how that will be.
“We very well may see a difference in turnout and party voting when we get to the general election in November.”
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. for residents to cast their vote in person.
Residents in Cumberland County can also hand-deliver their voted ballots to the Bureau of Elections Office, 1601 Ritner Highway, Suite 201, in Carlisle.
Residents in Adams County can hand-deliver voted ballots to their county elections office at 230 Greenamyer Lane, Suite 100, in Gettysburg.
“It’s every Americans’ right, and I believe it is every Americans’ responsibility. We need to let our legislators know [to] represent the people, and the best we do that is through proper voting,” Jones said.