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3.  WHAT POSITIONS ARE ON THE BALLOT THIS ELECTION?
  • US Senator
  • US House Representative (Congressperson)
  • PA Governor
  • PA Lieutenant Governor
  • PA Senator (NOTE:  These officials serve 4-year terms, so your Senator may or may not be up for reelection in 2022)
  • PA State Representative
Here’s a good summary of what each position DOES and how they may impact your life:
 
What’s on the ballot in 2022 and WHY should I care?

Position

What They Do

Why Should I Care?

US Senator

●     Sponsor, vote on, or block new laws such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Gun Safety laws, Policing Reform laws, and Reproductive Rights laws (i.e, protecting a woman’s right to choose)

●     Confirm the President’s appointees such as Supreme Court Justices

●     Provide advice and consent to ratify treaties

●     The Senate currently has a tie (50 Republicans and 50 Democrats), making it difficult to pass laws that the House writes, and even laws the majority of Americans want

●     Some laws require 60 Senate votes to pass, so when a majority of Senators are of the same Party as the President, it’s easier to pass critically needed new laws

 

US House Representative (Congressperson)

●     Sponsor or write new Laws or modify existing ones

●     In charge of the Federal Budget (taxes, borrowing, spending)

●     Has Oversight authority of the Executive Branch

●     Can Impeach federal officials who break the law or their oath of office

●     Elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie

 

●     They vote on things important to me (Voting and Civil rights, Healthcare, Social Services, Immigration, Gun Safety, Abortion access, Family Leave, etc.)

●     Help me access Federal money such as Covid 19 relief, Social Security and Veteran’s benefits

●     Currently investigating and sharing the story of the Jan 6th Insurrection to inform voters and prevent this from happening again

 

PA Governor

●     Implement laws passed by the PA legislature

●     Appoint the PA “Secretary of State”, the person in charge of our Election process in Pennsylvania

●     Declare a State of Emergency during disasters or pandemics

●     Command the State’s National Guard

●     Has Veto power over bad legislation (such as dropping all gun licensing requirements, making abortion illegal even for incest, rape or the health of the mother, or eliminating Vote by Mail – all recently passed or proposed by some candidates running for office this year)

●     Proposes the State budget, which includes public school funding, tax rates, gas taxes, etc.

 

PA Lieutenant Governor

●     President of the State Senate

●     Chair the state Board of Pardons

●     Chair the state Emergency Counsel

●     Reviews all pleas for criminal pardons in the state

●     Establishes policy for managing emergencies in PA

 

PA State Senator

●     Work with the State House of Representatives to create and pass bills (laws) on Public Policy matters in PA

●     Set levels for PA spending

●     Raise and lower PA taxes

●     Can override the Governor’s Veto on legislation with a 2/3rds majority

●     Write or amend laws that impact my family and community, such as fair school funding, rules for police conduct, and ensuring clean water and air

●     Authorize funding for public services such as Firefighters, Emergency Medical services, public schools, and Covid 19 grant relief

 

PA State House Representative

●     Work with the State Senate to create and pass bills (laws) on Public Policy matters that represent local concerns of constituents

●     Help me access VA benefits, addiction treatment, housing, and mental health services

●     Pass public health and safety laws

 

 

Back to "Get Ready for the Upcoming Election!"
  • Welcome
  • Resources
  • Step it Up!
  • 2023 Elections
  • GET INVOLVED IN CCMF!
    • Voter Outreach
    • Social Media
    • Content Development
    • R.A.C.E. Group
    • Social Justice
    • #OurVoiceShouldBeHeard
  • Contact Us