Party control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives could hinge on a special election in Allentown later this month.
The special election on Feb. 24 was triggered by the resignation of Josh Siegel, who was sworn in as Lehigh County executive last month after winning election in November. His term as state representative for the 22nd District was set to expire at the end of 2026.
The district covers most of center city and east side Allentown and parts of surrounding Salisbury Township. To find out if you are eligible to vote in the 22nd district, search on Pennsylvania’s Department of State website.
The Democratic party selected Allentown school board member Ana Tiburcio, and Republicans selected former school board member Bob Smith as their candidates to fill the remainder of Siegel’s term.
Another election for the seat in November 2026 will elect a representative for a full, two-year term beginning in 2027.
Monday is the last day to register to vote in the special election. The last day to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Voters who requested mail-in ballots will receive them beginning Feb. 6.
Voters can also vote via on-demand mail-in voting at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St. in Allentown, beginning Monday.
The following are drop box locations for mail-in ballots:
Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown – 24/7 Drop Box Main Entrance
Salisbury Township School District Administrative Building, 1140 Salisbury Road, Main Entrance Lobby. 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed 2/13 & 2/16 for President’s Day
Coca-Cola Park Administrative Offices, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
If you plan to vote in person on election day, Feb. 24, you can find your polling place at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx