2022 Election Guide For Plum, Oakmont Voters

PLUM AND OAKMONT, PA — Voters have significant decisions to make in Pittsburgh on Election Day. There are aber 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 and suburban communities 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.
• 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) , 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 has seen 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, Plum and Oakmont - 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 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.

PA House: Longtime incumbent Tony DeLuca, 85, of Penn Hills, recently succumbed to lymphoma but remains on the ballot. There is no Republican opposing him.Green Party candidate Queona Livingston is the only other person on the ballot. If DeLuca wins, a special election will be held to determine his successor.

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.