The balance of power in the state Legislature and Congress are at stake this November, but first Lehigh Valley voters head to the polls today to choose their party\u2019s candidates for state and federal House.<\/p>\n
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, which means only Republicans and Democrats can vote in their respective party\u2019s primary. In Hanover Township, Lehigh County, any registered voter may cast a vote in a referendum<\/a> that would update the township charter regarding contracts.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about voting today.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s on the ballot?<\/p>\n At the top of the ticket is the widely watched Democratic primary for the Lehigh Valley\u2019s representative Congress<\/a>.<\/p>\n Former Bethlehem firefighter Bob Brooks, former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, former Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure and Carol Obando-Derstine, a former PPL executive and engineer, all are vying for the chance to face Republican Ryan Mackenzie in the fall. Mackenzie is unopposed in the Republican primary.<\/p>\n While every seat in the state House is up for election this year, most are uncontested in the primary election, meaning there is only one Democrat and one Republican running for their respective party\u2019s nomination.<\/p>\n Two local state House seats and one state Senate seat, however, have contested Democratic primaries.<\/p>\n In the 16th state Senate district<\/a>, Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley and Bradley Merkl-Gump, a social studies teacher and Pennridge School Board member, are vying for a chance to face\u00a0Republican incumbent Jarrett Coleman in November. Coleman is unopposed in his party\u2019s primary.<\/p>\n In the 22nd state House district, Democrats Ana Tiburcio, the sitting representative who won a special election for the seat in February, and Allentown City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach are vying for a full term in the seat representing parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township. Republican Robert Smith Jr. is unopposed.<\/p>\n In the 187th District, Democrats Rachel Marie Guynh-Cuevas, who describes herself as a working mom and community leader, and Geoffrey Whitcomb, a local pastor and music teacher, are seeking the nomination to represent Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lynn, Washington and Weisenberg townships; part of Upper Macungie Township; Alburtis and Macungie.<\/p>\n The seat is held by Republican Gary Day, who is running unopposed in his party\u2019s primary.<\/p>\n Lehigh Valley Republicans have just one primary race to decide: that for lieutenant governor<\/a>. Pittsburgh attorney Jason Richey, who has the backing of Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity, faces UPS executive John Ventre.<\/p>\n Who can vote Tuesday?<\/p>\n Except for referendum voters, who can be any party (or no party at all), Tuesday\u2019s primaries are only open to registered Democrats and Republicans. If you are not registered with either party, you cannot vote for candidates until November. It is too late to change your registration, but if you\u2019re unsure, check your\u00a0registration status at vote.pa.gov<\/a> before heading to the polls.<\/p>\n Where can I vote?<\/p>\n Northampton County recently implemented a countywide redistricting plan, approved by the Common Pleas court. That means many residents may see new or expanded polling districts.<\/p>\n Northampton County residents can check their polling place at NorthamptonVotes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n