There are two upcoming special elections in the Pittsburgh region happening this March, one for Pittsburgh City Council District 8 (East End) and the other for the 18th U.S. Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Here’s everything you need to know about these elections: who’s running, how to meet the candidates, where and how to vote, and more.
Pittsburgh City Council District 8 Special Election
The City Council District 8 Special Election will take place on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 to fill the seat previously held by Dan Gilman, who resigned in January 2018 to serve as Mayor Peduto’s Chief of Staff.
Candidates: Four candidates are running. Democratic nominee Sonja Finn, Marty Healey and Erika Strassburger (both previous Democratic candidates now running as Independents), and Republican nominee Rennick Remley.
Meet the candidates:
The JCC will be hosting a forum where you will have the opportunity to hear from the candidates and ask questions.
Candidates’ Forum – Thursday, February 22 from 7 PM-9 PM at the Squirrel Hill JCC
Learn about the candidates’ views on education through each of their responses to A+ Schools’ education questionnaire:
Sonja Finn – Marty Healey – Rennick Remley – Erika Strassburger
Do you live in District 8? District 8 includes Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill. Check out the map here!
Voter Registration Deadline: The voter registration deadline for the March 6 special election was February 5, 2018.
Absentee ballots in Allegheny County instructions: To apply for an absentee ballot, you must fill out the absentee ballot form and submit it to the Allegheny County Election Division by 5 PM on February 27, 2018 (postmarks do not apply).
18th U.S. Congressional District Special Election
The 18th U.S. Congressional District Special Election will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 to fill the seat previously held by Tim Murphy, who resigned in October 2017.
Candidates: Conor Lamb (D) and Rick Saccone (R) are running for the seat.
Meet the candidates: The JCC is hosting separate “Coffee and Conversation” events to give community members the opportunity to meet each of the candidates. Both events are free and open to the public.
Meet Conor Lamb – Tuesday, February 13 from 7 PM-8 PM at the South Hills JCC.
Meet Rick Saccone – Monday, February 19 from 7 PM-8 PM at the South Hills JCC.
Do you live in the 18th Congressional District? The 18th Congressional District includes parts of Greene, Washington, Allegheny, and Westmoreland Counties. Check out the map here!
Voter Registration Deadline: The voter registration deadline for the March 13 special election is Monday February 12, 2018. Register here.
Apply here for absentee ballots: To apply for an absentee ballot, you must fill out the absentee ballot form and submit it to your county election office by 5 PM on March 6, 2018 (postmarks do not apply).
Voting
Check your voter registration status here
Register to vote: The voter registration deadline to vote in the 18th U.S. Congressional District special election is February 12, 2018. The registration deadline has passed for the Pittsburgh City Council District 8 special election. Missed the deadline – or don’t live in either of these districts? Register to make sure you’re ready for the next election!
More Resources
The Incline is tracking all things election 2018. Follow along for updates about these upcoming special elections, as well as the May primary and November general elections.