We all know there’s a presidential race happening next month, but a lot of other offices are up for grabs, too. Here’s a quick rundown of statewide and local races you’ll see on your ballot in Philly — and what the people who hold these offices actually do.
If you’d like to learn more about who is running for these offices, check out our guide to learning about the candidates! For information on registering to vote, check here, and for mail voting info, check here.
United States Senator
U.S. senators represent their respective states in Washington, D.C., by introducing and voting on bills and serving on legislative committees. Each state has two senators, and as a whole, the Senate is responsible for approving presidential nominees, conducting impeachment trials, and okaying treaties. This year, one of Pennsylvania’s two Senate seats is up for election, and the race will appear on all ballots across the state. The results of the Pennsylvania race could also determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the Senate.
Attorney General
As the commonwealth’s top law enforcement official, the AG oversees a staff of hundreds who prosecute organized crime, investigate public corruption, enforce tax law, and represent the commonwealth in legal matters. The attorney general typically serves four-year terms and is elected by voters across Pennsylvania.
Auditor General
This statewide officeholder serves as Pennsylvania’s chief fiscal watchdog by auditing government entities and sharing the results with lawmakers and the public. That can mean digging into the accuracy of financial information and evaluating whether government programs are achieving what they’re supposed to be achieving. The auditor general serves four-year terms, and all of Pennsylvania can weigh in on this race.
State Treasurer
This position manages Pennsylvania’s money. The treasurer makes and receives payments on the commonwealth’s behalf, oversees deposits and withdrawals by state agencies, and manages the state’s investments. The state treasurer serves four-year terms and is elected in a statewide vote.
Representative in Congress
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are responsible for representing their respective geographic areas in one of Washington’s two legislative chambers. This includes introducing bills and resolutions, serving on committees, and voting on legislation. The House has 435 voting members elected every two years by voters in their districts. Two of Philly’s three House seats are contested this year.
Senator in the General Assembly
Pennsylvania state senators represent their geographic area at the state capitol in Harrisburg, where they introduce and vote on statewide legislation. The state Senate has 50 members who serve four-year terms and are elected by voters in their districts. Not all of Philly’s Senate districts have a race this cycle, and only one race is contested.
Representative in the General Assembly
State representatives also write and pass legislation, but they just have smaller districts and serve in a chamber with more members. The state House has 203 members who serve two-year terms and are elected by voters in their districts. Only one of Philly’s state House races is contested this cycle.
