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Voting in Pennsylvania? Here Is Everything You Need to Know

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The Pennsylvania midterm elections are among the most closely watched in the nation. Nearly 20 seats are open, giving Democrats the opportunity to win back power in Washington, D.C., or Republicans the chance to solidify their current hold on Congress. 

The biggest step ahead of November's general election is Tuesday's primary.

NBC10 broke down the nitty gritty of exercising your right to vote. Check out our election guide below:

How do I vote?

You can vote either in person or via absentee ballot. Unfortunately, the deadlines to register to vote in the primaries have ended.

If you missed those deadlines, it’s not too late to register for the November general election. The first day to apply for absentee ballot for the general election is Sept. 17. The last day to register to vote in person in the general election is Oct. 9 Meanwhile, the last day to apply for absentee ballot for general election is Oct. 30.

To find your voting precinct, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website and enter your address

How do I register to vote?

Save time and money by registering online for the November general election. You don’t need a stamp or gas to do so. Just log on and click here to register. If you’re not sure whether or not you already registered, click here to check your status.

I am registered to vote in the primary election. Can I vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries?

No. Tuesday's primary is closed, which means you can only vote in the primary for your declared party. If you are a registered Independent, then you must wait until the general election in November. Otherwise, Republicans must vote in the GOP primary and Democrats must do the same for their party.

Who’s running where?

All told, 84 people are running for 18 seats in the Pennsylvania primary, making our election one of the most crowded in the nation. Three primary races are so crowded that a candidate could win with far below 20 percent of the vote. 

In the solidly conservative 13th District stretching along 120 miles of southern Pennsylvania's border, Stephen Bloom and seven other Republicans are competing for the party nomination that will all but determine the successor to retiring Rep. Bill Shuster, who with his father before him has held the seat a combined 46 years.

In southeastern Pennsylvania, 10 Democrats are vying to win the new heavily Democratic 5th District and succeed the now-resigned Republican Rep. Patrick Meehan in what had been viewed as one of the most gerrymandered districts in the country.

In the Allentown area's new 7th District, six Democrats are competing for the nomination in a seat being vacated by seven-term Rep. Charlie Dent. In the district, viewed as a tossup in the general election, candidates diverge on core Democratic Party issues, and it is driving the race.

To see a complete list of who is running, click here.

Why are so many people running?

Thank the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the chaotic cluster that has become the midterm elections. In February, just one month before the deadline for candidates to declare their intention to run, the state’s highest court threw out the old congressional map and replaced it with a new one. The remedial map dramatically changed the shape and size of congressional districts, and forced many candidates to rethink their campaigns. Some decided to run in a completely district. Other simply dropped out. And many more saw wide open seats in districts that never existed before.

To understand the whole saga, read our explainer here.

Do I need any identification to vote?

If you have voted at your polling location before, you do not need to bring ID to vote. Only voters who are voting for the first time in their election district need to show ID. Acceptable IDs for first-time voters:

  • Driver’s license
  • U.S. passport
  • Military, student, or employee ID
  • Voter registration card
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check
  • Any ID issued by the commonwealth or federal government

Note: An ID without your photo must have your address on it.

My vote doesn’t count. What’s the point?

Oh yes it does! Remember the special election in March?

If you don’t, it was close. Very, very close. So close, in fact, that Republican candidate Rick Saccone waited several days to concede to Democrat Conor Lamb in the southwestern Pennsylvania contest.

Lamb, 33, claimed the seat by just 750 votes in a Republican-held district that President Donald Trump won by almost 20 percentage points just 16 months ago.

That special election was largely seen as a bellwether for the November midterms. Democrats are convinced voters unhappy with the Trump administration will come out in droves, while Republicans say the president is polling better and better as the months go by. Usually, the truth is somewhere in the middle, which means the 2018 midterms will likely be just as close as that special election. And with 18 seats up for grabs in the state, the power dynamic in Washington, D.C., could very well depend on who you chose. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Upgrades to Your Amtrak Ride

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Amtrak is looking to upgrade their Acela Express trains to make riders more comfortable. The upgrades should take about 10 months, but are not expected to interrupt train service.

Catch Up Quickly: Man in Bucket Hat Exposes Self to Jogger

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Here are the top news stories you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.


TODAY'S TOP STORY 

Governor, Lt. Gov., Senate, Houses Races Top Pa. Primary Day Decisions: Pennsylvania voters have a lot to think about when they hit the polls for Tuesday's primary, including a hotly contested Republican primary for governor. Also on the card is a five-way race for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, a Republican primary to pick who will take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in the fall, House races in the wake of the major redistricting case and a host of open seats in the Legislature. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and elections officials emphasize that the redistricting decision did not change where anyone in the state will be voting.

      WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

      Man in Bucket Hat Exposes Self to Jogger on Trail: A man in a bucket hat exposed himself to a woman running on a popular Montgomery County trail. Pennsylvania State Police hope a sketch and description helps them track down the suspect. The man exposed himself to the woman around 5:30 p.m. last Tuesday as she ran along the Perkiomen Trail near Hendricks Road and Baghurst Drive in Upper Salford Township, state police said Monday. The man, who appear to be in his late 20s to early 30s, stands around 5-foot, 9-inches tall and weighs just under 200 pounds, had a unique look to him. He had on a khaki bucket hat, white tank top, red shorts and a black backpack, the victim told state police from the Skippack station. He also had a "discolored front tooth," police said.

      YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST  

      Fog will start the morning Tuesday but sunshine is expected for much of the day. But rain and thunderstorms are expected by the evening commute and into the evening. Severe winds and hail are possible. Rain is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures in the 70s. Friday is also expected to see rain with temperatures in the 60s. Saturday could see rain and temperatures back in the 70s. There is a potential for thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday as well. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

          TODAY'S TALKER               

          $12.1M Lincoln Drive Facelift Begins: Get ready for a smoother commute but not before construction along busy Lincoln Drive leads to some closures and detours. Work on the road running through Fairmount Park, a stretch besieged by potholes, began late Monday night. The project includes various roadway, pedestrian and traffic improvements to Lincoln Drive between Ridge and Wayne avenues. Roads will be milled and resurfaced, the guide rail and median barrier will be replaced and overall drainage improvements will be made.

          AROUND THE WORLD

          Nearly Every Teacher Spends Own Money on School Needs: Nearly all public school teachers report digging into their pockets to pay for school supplies, spending nearly $480 a year, far more than the federal $250 tax deduction available to teachers. The findings by the National Center of Education Statistics released Tuesday come as teachers across the country are walking out of classrooms to protest low pay and demand pay raises. Helping teachers pay for class supplies was a key demand during the Arizona teachers' strike. Ninety-four percent of public school teachers say they spent their own money on notebooks, pens and other supplies in the 2014-15 school year without reimbursement, according to the study. The average amount spent was $479. About 44 percent spent $250 or less, while 36 percent spent $251 to $500. Currently, teachers who spend their personal money on children's classroom needs are able to reduce their taxable income by $250. Teachers pushed back strongly last year when the tax bill passed by the House called for eliminating the deduction altogether. The Senate version of the bill, meanwhile, sought to raise the deduction to $500. In the end, the two chambers reached a compromise, and the deduction remained unchanged.


          That's what you need to know to Catch Up Quickly, but we've got more stories worthy of your time. Click here to check them out



          Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State Police Troop K

          Italian Market Festival Brings Fun for All

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          The Italian Market Festival returns this weekend. The weekend block party features fun and food the whole family can enjoy. And, even a greased pole competition perfect for Eagles fans.

          Sinkhole in New Jersey Swallows Construction Equipment

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          A sinkhole created a mess in a Hackensack, New Jersey, parking lot Monday afternoon, swallowing a backhoe in a construction site, authorities say.

          According to Hackensack Fire Department officials, the backhoe was digging to repair a water main servicing 390 Hackensack Ave., located at Riverside Square Mall, when the sinkhole appeared around 2 p.m.

          Officials say the sinkhole was undermined due to the water main break.

          In a photo of the scene, more than half of the backhoe's operator compartment can be seen inside the sinkhole.

          Officials responded to the scene and say no injuries were reported.

          At this point there are no other hazards or utilities that were impacted due to the incident, officials say, adding that the parking lot in the immediate area of the sinkhole is closed.



          Photo Credit: Hackensack Fire Department

          New York-Bound Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Philly

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          An Alaska Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport Tuesday morning.

          No injuries have been reported and the plane, which was headed to JFK Airport, landed safely around 9 a.m., airport spokesman Diane Gerace told NBC10.

          A high oil temperature indicator forced the pilots to land in Philly, the FAA told NBC News.

          There were no visible emergency crews at the airport when SkyForce10 hovered overhead a short time later.

          This story is developing and will be updated. 



          Photo Credit: NBC10

          AA Tightens Leash on Emotional Support Animal Policy

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          American Airlines announced Monday new restrictions for emotional support animals on flights, joining other major carriers that are tightening the leash on onboard comfort pets.

          According to the new guidelines issued by the world's largest airline, American no longer recognizes goats, ferrets, insects, snakes, hedgehogs, amphibians, reptiles, rodents, spiders and sugar gliders as emotional support animals. The airline said non-household birds such as "farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds and birds of prey” as well as "animals with tusks, horns or hooves" will also be banned from boarding flights as comfort pets.

          Citing a 40 percent increase in passengers bringing animals in the cabin from 2016 to 2017, the Fort Worth, Texas—based company adopted new documentation rules for emotional support pets.

          To travel with an approved emotional support animal in the cabin, passengers must fill out a form at least 48 hours before their scheduled flight and provide the name and contact information of their mental health professional who can attest to the need of a service animal, American Airlines said. The pre-clearance will now include a documentation validation by American Airlines from the mental health professional.

          American said it will have procedures in place for emergency travel booked within 48 hours of a departure.

          The form also requires that the passenger assure the airline their animal will not block the seats or the aisles of the cabin, and will not threaten the health and safety of other passengers. On flights over eight hours, passengers must provide documentation assuring the airline that their animal will no defecate onboard the plane “or do so in a way that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue."

          The new policy takes effect with tickets issued on or after July 1.

          "Prior to enacting these changes to our animal policy, American met with a number of disability groups to get their input, including American Association of People with Disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Council for the Blind and My Blind Spot," the airline wrote in a blog post. "At American, we want to have policies and procedures in place that protect our team members and our customers who have a real need for a trained service or support animal. We appreciate the dialogue and partnership we have with these organizations."

          Federal law allows passengers to bring animals into the cabin that provide emotional support or assistance to fliers with disabilities free of charge, according to The Associated Press.

          But as airlines grapple with a surge of emotional support animals brought in the cabin and increased reports of animal-related incidents on board, many aren't waiting for federal regulations. 

          Earlier this year, United Airlines announced new rules for emotional support animals. The updated policy includes a vaccination form signed by a veterinarian and assurance from the the vet that the animal isn't a health or safety threat to other people.

          United's changes mirror those implemented by Delta Airlines. In January, the Atlanta, Georgia-based company unveiled tighter rules for passengers flying with emotional-support animals.

          "The rise in serious incidents involving animals in flight leads us to believe that the lack of regulation in both health and training screening for these animals is creating unsafe conditions across U.S. air travel,” John Laughter, Delta’s senior vice president for corporate safety, security and compliance, said in a news release. "As a leader in safety, we worked with our Advisory Board on Disability to find a solution that supports those customers with a legitimate need for these animals, while prioritizing a safe and consistent travel experience."




          Photo Credit: Getty Images

          Some Sports Leagues Want Congress to Protect Game Integrity

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          Many of the major U.S. sports leagues indicated Monday, after the Supreme Court struck down a law banning gambling on individual sporting events, that they would be willing to work on a legal framework, NBC News reported.

          But some called on Congress to create a uniform set of rules, as did Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who said Monday he would propose a bill to "protect honesty and principle in the athletic arena."

          Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court that Congress may choose to regulate sports gambling but states are free to do so if it doesn't. As many as 32 states have already prepared or are preparing legislation regulating sports gambling.

          "Leagues want sports betting operators to be required to use league-approved sources of data for setting lines and bets," said Chris Grove, a gaming sector researcher. "And they want the power to be able to stop betting on minor leagues, where players are earning less money and are more vulnerable to bribes."



          Photo Credit: John Locher/AP

          Mom's Dog Stays by Man's Side After He Is Shot

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          A dog refused to leave his owner’s son's side after he was shot in North Philadelphia overnight.

          The 54-year-old Delaware County man was walking his mother’s dog when he was shot along North 7th Street near Wallace Street around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

          Officers rushed to the scene after getting multiple 911 calls about the shooting.

          "The victim was laying on the sidewalk, completely unresponsive, and next to him, on the leash, was the dog," Small said.

          Officers rushed him to Hahnemann Hospital where he underwent surgery.

          "We're not certain whether or not he is going to survive the gunshot wound to his neck," Small said.

          The dog remained by the man's side as a pool of blood formed, police said. Officers eventually reunited the dog with its owner.

          Investigators found loose change at the scene so robbery could be the motive but investigators weren't certain.

          Two men dressed in black fled the scene, police said. Real-time crime cameras in the area could help police with the investigation.



          Photo Credit: NBC10

          The Ballot Questions That Could Confuse Philly Voters

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          Questions about sexual harassment training, who has the final say on the new city school board and how much money should be dedicated to police oversight are being considered by Philadelphia voters during Tuesday’s primary election.

          The questions would all enact changes to Philadelphia’s charter:

          Ballot Question 1: Police Advisory Commission

          Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to require an appropriation in each annual operating budget of $500,000, or such greater amount as Council decides, to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies?

          This measure would increase the operating budget of the Police Advisory Commission by $100,000 more than is currently budgeted. The PAC is a civilian panel tasked with investigating police misconduct, nonpartisan advocacy group Committee of Seventy said. The commission has subpoena power but can’t enforce its rulings.

          Ballot Question 2: School Board Control

          Shall the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to restore local control by confirming the Board of Education’s independent responsibility to administer the School District of Philadelphia, providing for public participation in the Educational Nominating Panel process, revising eligibility requirements, requiring City Council confirmation of School Board appointments, requiring a stated reason for removing a School Board Member and establishing a Parent and Community Advisory Council?

          The school board is already returning to local control after the state-run School Reform Commission disbands this summer, so the first part of the question is moot.

          The current charter allows the mayor to appoint members to the new school board. Should the new measure pass, council would gain control in appointments and the mayor would have a tougher time yanking people from the board, WHYY reported.

          Ballot Question 3: Sexual Harassment Training

          Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for mandatory training for all City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace?

          Right now, sexual harassment training is not mandatory for all city employees. This measure would require all city officers and employees to complete such training at least once every three years.



          Photo Credit: NBC10

          Storm Ranger: Tracking Dangerous Storms

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          As the clouds and winds increased in Montgomery County Tuesday evening, Storm Ranger was tracking every weather change from the ground.

          Is T'Challa Driving Around Philly?

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          Is Black Panther driving a black GTI around Philadelphia? 

          The black Volkswagen (fitting) with a Pennsylvania vanity plate of the word WAKANDA was spotted on the City Line Avenue bridge on the border of Montgomery and Philadelphia counties Tuesday.

          No sign of the Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan or Lupita Nyong'o.

          It's obvious #WakandaForever love runs deep with this fan.




          Photo Credit: NBC10/John Taylor

          NBC10 First Alert Weather: Severe Storms Rolling Through Region

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          Tuesday brought heavy rain, strong winds, and some hail to our region. The storms continued to pass through during rush hour.

          2 Men Steal Weapons From Chester County Gun Shop: Police

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          Police arrested two men accused of stealing weapons from a Chester County gun shop, prompting a lockdown at nearby schools.

          Police say Shane Wolf, 23, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania and Taylor O’Brien, 22, of Malvern, stole an undetermined amount of weapons from Chester County Outdoors on Lancaster Avenue in East Whiteland Township around 5 a.m. Tuesday.

          East Whiteland Police officers who were responding to a separate incident spotted both suspects fleeing from the store, investigators said. Police arrested O’Brien near the General Warren Inn on Old Lancaster Road. As police continued to search for Wolf, nearby schools, including St. Patrick School on Channing Avenue, were placed on lockdown.

          “The school was notified by the police that they should be in lockdown and all students if they hadn’t been to school should remain at home,” Sharon Alexander, a parent of students at St. Patrick, told NBC10.

          After an extended search, police were able to capture Wolf in a yard just behind St. Patrick School, officials said. Bryan Scott lives near where Wolf was taken into custody and witnessed the arrest.

          “It looked almost like a military truck, like a SWAT kind of truck,” Scott said. “There were tons of cars. I mean the police were all over the place. The state police helicopters were hovering around.”

          Wolf and O’Brien were both taken into custody and police recovered all of the stolen weapons, investigators said.

          Police say Wolf and O’Brien were the only people involved in the theft. They continue to investigate how they stole the weapons.



          Photo Credit: East Whiteland Twp. Police Department
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          Storm Clouds and Rainbows Over Our Region

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          Severe storms pummeled the region Tuesday with lightning, heavy rain, strong winds and hail. Check out these photos of storm clouds, hail and rainbows over our region.

          2 Suspects Attack Men Outside Local Bar: Police

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          Police are searching for two suspects accused of attacking two men outside a bar in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

          The victim told NBC10 he and his friend were outside the Landmark Americana Bar on W. Gay Street back on May 6 around 12:10 a.m. when they accidentally bumped into the two suspects. The suspects then attacked them, according to the victim.

          The victim said he was knocked unconscious after one of the suspects punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the curb. He also said his friend’s jaw was broken and it had to be wired shut after the attack.

          Police released surveillance photos of the two suspects. If you have any information on their identities, please call West Chester detectives at 610-696-2700.



          Photo Credit: West Chester Borough Police
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          Wagner Wins GOP Gov. Primary, Fetterman Pulls Off Upset

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          Scott Wagner, a York native who made a fortune in the sanitation business, won the Republican primary for governor and will challenge incumbent Gov. Tom Wolf in November.

          Fellow Republican Lou Barletta, a U.S. representative from northeast Pennsylvania, won his primary for U.S. Senate. He will face off against Democratic incumbent Bob Casey.

          For Democratic challengers, the biggest win came in the primary for Lt. Governor, where a small-town mayor from western Pennsylvania surprised incumbent Mike Stack, a longtime Northeast Philadelphia politician.

          John Fetterman, a mountain of a man with a Harvard pedigree who took Pennsylvania politics by storm in a U.S. Senate run two years ago, upset Stack while beating out three other challengers.

          He will face off against the Republican nominee, Jeff Bartos, a businessman who beat out four candidates. Fetterman, who is six feet eight inches tall, has served as mayor of the Rust Belt town, Braddock, since 2005. He recently received the endorsement of former presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, which added momentum to his progressive platform.

          Those victories marked a mid-term primary election that down ballot included the most crowded field of congressional hopefuls in more than 30 years.

          Three of the 11 candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District had not even been born the last time there were this many people running for office in a state mid-term election.

          The 84 candidates running in primaries for the commonwealth's 18 districts made it the most crowded since 1984.

          Back then, Pennsylvania had seven more seats in Congress.

          Check NBC10.com's Live Election Results page here for continuous updates to all of Pennsylvania's races throughout the night.

          By 9:15 p.m., the massive field began shrinking. The following winners have been declared by the Associated Press. 

          Incumbent U.S. Reps. Dwight Evans and Brendan Boyle were the first declared victors in the Pennsylvania mid-term primary election Tuesday night. Both were heavy favorites in the 2nd and 3rd district Democratic primaries, respectively. Evans will face Bryan Leib while Boyle will face David Torres. State Rep. Madeleine Dean, a Democrat who represents a portion of Montgomery County in Harrisburg, won her primary in the 4th district.

          All 203 state House seats and 25 of the 50 Senate seats are up for election this year, and Democrats have prepared intense campaigns to try overturning Republicans' strong majorities in both chambers.

          The primary was a culmination of the dizzying effects to a complete overhaul of the state's congressional district map. The state Supreme Court ruled the old map was gerrymandered, threw it out, then drew their own.

          The primary will determine the Republican and Democratic candidates in each of the redrawn districts. The lead-up to the May 5 election left many incumbents dropping out, switching races or defending against challenges from within their own party.

          The #MeToo movement and disgust with President Donald Trump contributed to a historic number of women jumping into the political arena.

          Twenty-three women ran in 13 of the 18 districts, according to the Rutgers University's Center for American Women and Politics

          The Pennsylvania midterm elections are among the most closely watched in the nation. Some political observers believe Democrats could overtake Republicans in number of seats held. Republicans currently hold 13 of the 18 seats. There is even some speculation the seats could swing 180 degrees with the new map. Optimism in Pennsylvania is part of hope from Democrats across the country looking to wrestle back control of the U.S. House.

          PA’s acting secretary of state says they were “very challenged with severe weather” today.

          At least 12 counties reported power outages. In Carbon County, they needed a new location for polling because of power issues.

          There were also reports of local roads closed because of storm damage.

          The hours at one polling site in Monroe County have been extended because of a gas leak.

          In Elk and Wyoming Counties, they’re still struggling to get power back on to do post-election reporting.

          Looking ahead to the November election? Here's some information:

          How do I vote?

          It’s not too late to register for the November general election. The first day to apply for absentee ballot for the general election is Sept. 17. The last day to register to vote in person in the general election is Oct. 9. Meanwhile, the last day to apply for absentee ballot for general election is Oct. 30.

          To find your voting precinct, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website and enter your address

          How do I register to vote?

          Save time and money by registering online for the November general election. You don’t need a stamp or gas to do so. Just log on and click here to register. If you’re not sure whether or not you already registered, click here to check your status.

          If I am registered as an independent, was I able to vote in both the May 15 primary?

          No. Tuesday's primary was closed, which means you can only vote in the primary for your declared party. If you are a registered Independent, then you must wait until the general election in November. Otherwise, Republicans must vote in the GOP primary and Democrats must do the same for their party.

          Why did so many people run?

          Thank the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the chaotic cluster that became the midterm elections. In February, just one month before the deadline for candidates to declare their intention to run, the state’s highest court threw out the old congressional map and replaced it with a new one. The remedial map dramatically changed the shape and size of congressional districts, and forced many candidates to rethink their campaigns. Some decided to run in a completely district. Other simply dropped out. And many more saw wide open seats in districts that never existed before.

          To understand the whole saga, read our explainer here.

          Do I need any identification to vote?

          If you have voted at your polling location before, you do not need to bring ID to vote. Only voters who are voting for the first time in their election district need to show ID. Acceptable IDs for first-time voters:

          • Driver’s license
          • U.S. passport
          • Military, student, or employee ID
          • Voter registration card
          • Firearm permit
          • Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check
          • Any ID issued by the commonwealth or federal government

          Note: An ID without your photo must have your address on it.

          My vote doesn’t count. What’s the point?

          Oh yes it does! Remember the special election in western Pennsylvania in March?

          If you don’t, it was close. Very, very close. So close, in fact, that Republican candidate Rick Saccone waited several days to concede to Democrat Conor Lamb.

          Lamb, 33, claimed the seat by just 750 votes in a Republican-held district that President Donald Trump won by almost 20 percentage points just 16 months ago.

          That special election was largely seen as a bellwether for the November midterms. Democrats are convinced voters unhappy with the Trump administration will come out in droves, while Republicans say the president is polling better and better as the months go by. Usually, the truth is somewhere in the middle, which means the 2018 midterms will likely be just as close as that special election. And with 18 seats up for grabs in the state, the power dynamic in Washington, D.C., could very well depend on who you chose. 



          Photo Credit: AP, Getty Images

          Training and Tracking Before Murder-Suicide, Sources Say

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          A distraught wife underwent weapons training and used a tracking device on her husband before killing his mistress and then taking her own life inside a Main Line home, according to sources close to the investigation.

          The sources revealed new details on the events leading up to the murder-suicide in Radnor Township back on April 23.

          Police say Jennair Gerardot shot and killed Meredith Sullivan Chapman, 30, inside her home before turning the gun on herself. Chapman had been having an affair with Gerardot's husband Mark Gerardot prior to the shooting, police said.

          Chapman was a former WHYY producer for its Delaware bureau and ran an unsuccessful bid as a Republican for a state senate seat in Delaware. She was also married to Newark City Councilman Luke Chapman, but the couple was reportedly separated.

          She had recently moved to the home on Lowrys Lane in Radnor Township for a new job at nearby Villanova University.

          Gerardot's life had also changed prior to her death. A recent transplant to the east coast, her social media photos with her husband Mark Gerardot showed a seemingly happy couple. But underneath the surface there were signs of trouble.

          "There were money issues, self-confidence issues," Radnor Township Police Superintendent William Colarulo said. "Her life was falling apart."

          Gerardot began posting messages on social media begging for help while claiming her marriage was crumbling and her husband wanted out. She was also searching for therapy.

          Sources told NBC10 Gerardot began using a tracking device and computer software to find out more about her husband's affair with Chapman.

          On April 21, Chapman's neighbor saw a woman with a "grim, concerned or worried" expression on her face standing near her driveway in Radnor Township, police said. 

          The woman was using a pair of binoculars while staring at Chapman's home on Lowrys Lane. The neighbor said the woman then went into a black SUV and drove off. The neighbor decided not to report it however. 

          Sources believe the mysterious woman was Gerardot, who was driving a rental SUV and using binoculars to scout out the area.

          Two days later, Mark Gerardot arrived at a restaurant in Newtown Square where his wife had told him to meet her for dinner. Only six miles away, Jennair Gerardot was near Chapman's home, parked in the back inside the rented SUV with gloves and earplugs.

          Sources say she then broke through the front porch door and waited for Chapman to return, having just enough time to clean up the broken glass. When Chapman walked into the home, Gerardot opened fire, killing her, before taking her own life, police said. 

          Sources say Gerardot had gone through gun training before purchasing the murder weapon and had fired so fast that Chapman, who was still clutching her house keys, likely didn't see it coming.

          Around 7 p.m. that night, Mark Gerardot began receiving text messages from his wife while waiting at the restaurant. The messages included graphic photographs from inside Chapman's home. Mark Geradot then rushed to Chapman's house where he found both his lover and his wife dead from gunshot wounds.

          Mark Gerardot then called 911 and was so hysterical that he gave the wrong house number. He also confessed to the dispatcher that he'd been cheating on his wife, sources said. 

          Investigators also found an extensive suicide note from Jennair Gerardot.

          Since the murder-suicide, neither Mark Gerardot nor Chapman's ex-husband have publicly commented on the case. With the case closed, police may not ever release everything they've learned and some questions may always remain unanswered.

          Chapman's family called her a "beacon of light to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her," in a released statement.

          "She loved her family fiercely, was a compassionate friend and among the most talented and innovative professionals in her field," they wrote. "Her death was sudden and tragic, but will not define who she was to the thousands of people who loved her."

          SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


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          The Life of Philadelphia's Princess, Grace Kelly

          Trump Supporter Barletta Wins GOP Nod to Take on Sen. Casey

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          Four-term U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump who first got national notice as a small-city mayor for his attempted crackdown on illegal immigration, on Tuesday won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.

          Barletta had paid little attention to his Republican rival, state Rep. Jim Christiana, during the primary campaign. Instead, he focused his attacks on the candidate he hopes to unseat in the fall, two-term Democratic Sen. Bob Casey.

          Barletta is a favorite of Trump, whom Barletta endorsed in 2016. Trump asked Barletta to run for Senate, and the president is expected to visit Pennsylvania to campaign for him.

          Check NBC10.com's Live Election Results page here for continuous updates to all of Pennsylvania's races throughout the night.

          Casey, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, has opposed Trump's Supreme Court pick, many of his highest-profile nominees and the GOP tax-cutting law.

          Casey is among 10 Democratic senators seeking re-election this year in states won by Trump, making Casey a target for Republicans.

          Trump edged Democrat Hillary Clinton by less than 1 percentage point in Pennsylvania in 2016's presidential election. Republicans control the Senate, 51-49, and defeating Casey would give Republicans one more pro-Trump vote to help advance the president's agenda.

          Still, defeating Casey in November's election is a tall order.

          Casey, the son of a late former governor, has strong name recognition and has won five statewide elections, including two as auditor general and one as state treasurer. He also has a huge cash advantage, with about $10 million in the bank at the end of April, compared with Barletta's $1.3 million.

          Casey, 58, is popular with labor unions and backed former President Barack Obama's signature policies.

          Barletta, 62, won his House seat during the Republican midterm wave of 2010, catapulted by the attention he received while mayor of Hazleton for attempting to use local laws to crack down on immigrants in the city who had entered the country illegally.

          Barely any outside money has made its way into Pennsylvania to help Casey or Barletta, making it extremely unlikely that residents will see a repeat of the record-breaking $180 million U.S. Senate race in 2016 that Pennsylvania's Republican Sen. Pat Toomey won by fewer than 2 percentage points.



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