News Around the Neighborhood
June 2 Primary Election Information
In March, Governor Wolf signed Act 12 of 2020 into law which moved the General Primary Election to June 2, 2020. The act also allows for up to a 60% reduction of polling places through the consolidation of two or more polling places which may be in the same building. Additional changes could also be authorized by the Department of State.
Due to concerns related to holding an in-person election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Elections is mailing mail-in ballot applications to every registered, eligible voter in Allegheny County who has not already submitted an application. That mailing is expected to go out in the first few weeks of May. Voters don’t have to wait to receive an application but can go online now to VotesPA and apply online for a mail-in ballot.
Over the past few months, the county has conducted a robust marketing and advertising campaign to reach as many voters as possible to make them aware of the mail-in option. A few weeks ago, the County Executive also directed Elections to step-up the targeted advertising for mail-in voting.
During its April 23 meeting, the Board of Elections considered and approved a resolution calling for further consolidation of polling locations. The resolution was submitted to the Department of State on April 28 along with an outline of a plan for the consolidation of present polling places into likely 200-300 locations.
There will be no fewer than one polling place per municipality, with the exception of the City of Pittsburgh which will have no fewer than nine polling places. The expectation is that in larger municipalities, there will be multiple polling places, but work will be done to provide that they are housed within the same location. As appropriate, additional or alternate locations will also be identified by Elections to further the goal of physical distancing when a large volume of in-person voters are expected. Each location selected will have sufficient space, parking and handicapped access and will be appropriately equipped with ballot marking devices for ADA voter use.
Continuing correspondence and communication will be provided to the Department of State and the public so that there is a full understanding of the polling places being utilized. A related communications plans is also being developed, and this webpage will be updated on a continual basis.
Under normal circumstances, Allegheny County utilizes 1,323 polling places and approximately 6,500 elected and appointed poll workers. Additional staff and resources are needed for overall election operations.
The PA Department of State has issued guidance related to the Use of Facilities as Polling Places during COVID-19. Vote by mail applications need to be received by May 26, and submitted by June 2
Quick Links
- Need to verify that you’re registered to vote, or your party affiliation? Check your Voter Registration Status.
- Want to see the ballot now? View your Sample Ballot by entering your municipality, ward and district.
- Applied for your absentee or mail-in ballot, and want to check on where it is? Use this Ballot Tracking tool.
- This link also allows you track your completed ballot once you mail it back to the office. When received, the status will be listed as “Vote Recorded.”
Interested in getting elections updates sent directly to you? Sign up for a free Allegheny Alerts subscription and select “Elections” updates.
Pennsylvania Primary Election Update
Dear Fellow Pennsylvanian,
These are unprecedented times, and we hope you and your families are staying safe. We are writing with IMPORTANT news about recent changes to the Pennsylvania primary election related to COVID 19. In order to protect the health and safety of all voters, poll workers, and election officials while also ensuring access to voting, the legislature, Governor Wolf, and the Department of State worked together to pass legislation to reschedule the PA primary election to Tuesday, June 2nd.
Additionally, thanks to historic legislation passed last fall, ALL Pennsylvania voters now also have the ability to vote by mail without having to provide an excuse – for any reason or no reason at all. You can apply for mail-in ballots online, by mail, or in person, until one week before the election. For the 2020 primary, mail-in ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5:00 pm Tuesday, May 26th. Applying online is very easy and quick, and even better, if you enter your email address, you will receive notifications as to the status of your application and ballot along the way. Once you receive your mail-in ballot, you now have until 8:00 pm on June 2nd to deliver your completed ballot to your county election office, but you should drop it off or mail it as early as you can to ensure it is delivered by that time.
Voters who have already requested a mail-in or absentee ballot will receive your ballot for the rescheduled primary. There is no need to apply again if you have already done so.
Other important election-related deadlines will change along with the new primary date. The new deadline to update your voter registration is Monday, May 18th. Please visit www.register.votespa.com to update your registration today.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes. The Department of State is committed to keeping voters informed. To stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate election information in Pennsylvania, visit votesPA.com, or contact your county election office.
Sincerely,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania Primary Election Update
These are unprecedented times, and we hope you and your families are staying safe. We are writing with IMPORTANT news about recent changes to the Pennsylvania primary election related to COVID 19. In order to protect the health and safety of all voters, poll workers, and election officials while also ensuring access to voting, the legislature, Governor Wolf, and the Department of State worked together to pass legislation to reschedule the PA primary election to Tuesday, June 2nd.
Additionally, thanks to historic legislation passed last fall, ALL Pennsylvania voters now also have the ability to vote by mail without having to provide an excuse – for any reason or no reason at all. You can apply for mail-in ballots online, by mail, or in person, until one week before the election. For the 2020 primary, mail-in ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5:00 pm Tuesday, May 26th. Applying online is very easy and quick, and even better, if you enter your email address, you will receive notifications as to the status of your application and ballot along the way. Once you receive your mail-in ballot, you now have until 8:00 pm on June 2nd to deliver your completed ballot to your county election office, but you should drop it off or mail it as early as you can to ensure it is delivered by that time.
Voters who have already requested a mail-in or absentee ballot will receive your ballot for the rescheduled primary. There is no need to apply again if you have already done so.
Other important election-related deadlines will change along with the new primary date. The new deadline to update your voter registration is Monday, May 18th. Please visit www.register.votespa.com to update your registration today.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes. The Department of State is committed to keeping voters informed. To stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate election information in Pennsylvania, visit votesPA.com, or contact your county election office.
Sincerely,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Letter from the President – April 2020
“We’ll meet again
Don’t know where, don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
‘Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far awayFrom the song, “We’ll Meet Again”, written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles
At the March 10th General Membership meeting the membership voted to give the AWCC President authority to suspend future meetings in the event of medical emergencies related to the COVID-19 outbreak. I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that tonight’s scheduled General Membership meeting is cancelled. The May 12th meeting is tentative and will proceed based on Local, State and CDC guidance.
Also at the March 10th meeting, the Executive Committee was given the authority to conduct the business of the organization during a suspension of meetings. As of April 13th there has been no AWCC business requiring a vote of the Executive Committee.
The cancellation of regular AWCC meetings is a small example of the historically significant time we’re experiencing. I haven’t heard of anyone in Allegheny West who has been hospitalized due to the coronavirus, and for that I’m thankful and hopeful. Some of our neighbors and neighborhood businesses are facing significant financial hardships. Other neighbors are working the frontlines in healthcare. All of us are experiencing disruptions to our normal lives, along with the anxiety and stress that brings.
Amidst the darkness brought about by the pandemic are some uplifting things happening in Allegheny West. Hopefully these will brighten your day and perhaps provide inspiration to add to this list:
- The AWCC Website team – notably Nick Smerker – quickly implemented changes to our website to add helpful COVID-19 information and links to resources – see the great work at alleghenywest.org/about/coronavirus-resources
- Neighbors answered the call to place teddy bears in windows for neighborhood children (well, really for all of us) to find on bear-hunting outings.
- Neighbors are participating in Tuesday evening “Illumination Ovation” with people across the city by stepping outside to honor front-line workers for their amazing efforts by lighting porch lights and applauding.
- Neighbors are checking in on other neighbors, offering to pick up grocery and pharmacy supplies or just to say hello.
- Neighbors are getting take-out food and beverages from local businesses, supporting them while normal operations are suspended.
- Neighbors are sewing and donating face masks.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that AWCC has a “Zoom Room” – with big thanks to Cathy Serventi for setting it up and providing technical support. The AWCC Zoom Room is available for anyone to use, for gatherings large and small. Please take advantage of this to keep in virtual touch with one another. If you have an idea for a Zoom event, send an email to webmaster@alleghenywest.org.
Stay safe everyone!
Ann Gilligan
President, AWCC
Friday Night Happy Hour
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/479233274
Meeting ID: 479 233 274 (This will remain the same each week!)
The AWCC Zoom account is available for virtual gatherings, large and small. Please join us on Sunday and then stay tuned for invites to more Zoom events. If you’re thinking of organizing a Zoom event for the neighborhood, check out how to do that on our website
https://alleghenywest.org/about/coronavirus-resources/
Hope to see all your smiling faces on Friday evening!
From the Governor’s Office: Please, wear a mask outside!
“Your mask protects me from COVID-19, and my mask protects you from COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levin explained. “Homemade masks protect everyone else from droplets created by the wearer. It’s important that as many people as possible wear masks when leaving home.”
If you do not have masks to use, Google a YouTube how-to: How to Make a Pleated Face Mask // Washable, Reusable, No-Sewing Required. (One neighbor remarked that this one is “very zen and soothing.” Sounds win-win!)
All Pittsburghers are Poets: Poem of the Week
Happy National Poetry Month!
As we spend as much time at home as possible due to COVID-19, we invite you to tap into your own well of creativity. City of Asylum believes that All Pittsburghers are Poets, and now we want to hear from you! We are calling all residents of Allegheny County to send us a poem by April 30 for consideration in the new online series “All Pittsburghers are Poets: Poem of the Week” to be published in Sampsonia Way Magazine. Writers of accepted poems will receive $15 for their work in honor of City of Asylum’s 15th year.
Has it been a while since you wrote a poem? To encourage us all to put pen to paper, we have created a gallery of poetry writing prompts like the one below. You’ll find 8 prompts inspired by our Exiled Writers-in-Residence, 40 general prompts, and 25 prompts created with youth in mind.
Help the Residents at the Allegheny Y During this Difficult Time!
Your help is needed to support the residents of the Allegheny YMCA in this difficult time. The biggest thing the Y needs help with is supplying meals to the 89 residents that call the Y their home.
How can you help?
- You can donate a Giant Eagle Gift card so the Y staff can purchase food and prepare meals for the residents. Please use this link (https://giftcards.gianteagle.com/c-508013/grocery-convenience/p-19277/reloadable-parent-student-/) to digitally purchase a Giant Eagle Gift Card and have it sent to Bill Pricener by adding his email address: wpricener@ymcapgh.org as the recipient.
- You can mail a check to the Allegheny YMCA to help support their operations. Make checks payable to Allegheny YMCA, and mail to 600 W North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 *Any amount helps!*
- Share this post with your neighbors/throughout your Northside network to spread the word!
Help the Residents at the Allegheny Y During this Difficult Time!
Your help is needed to support the residents of the Allegheny YMCA in this difficult time. The biggest thing the Y needs help with is supplying meals to the 89 residents that call the Y their home.
How can you help?
- You can donate a Giant Eagle Gift card so the Y staff can purchase food and prepare meals for the residents. Please use this link (https://giftcards.gianteagle.com/c-508013/grocery-convenience/p-19277/reloadable-parent-student-/) to digitally purchase a Giant Eagle Gift Card and have it sent to Bill Pricener by adding his email address: wpricener@ymcapgh.org as the recipient.
- You can mail a check to the Allegheny YMCA to help support their operations. Make checks payable to Allegheny YMCA, and mail to 600 W North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 *Any amount helps!*
- Share this post with your neighbors/throughout your Northside network to spread the word!
URA Announces Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Program Round 2
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) announced that the application process for Round 2 of its Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) Program opens today, Thursday, April 2; applications are due June 1.
The NIF Program makes it easier for City of Pittsburgh communities to access funding for neighborhood- scale projects. The amount of funding available to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) eligible communities for Round 2 is $680,000.
New this round – up to 25% of total grant funds may be used for operations or administrative costs for those organizations that have faced hardships due to COVID-19. Additionally, priority will be given to projects that respond to the COVID-19 crisis, address equity and maximize public benefit.