So, why is Pennsylvania called a “Commonwealth” and not a state? The word comes from Old English, meaning “the common well-being”. A government that exists for the good of all the people, not for a king.
Only Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Kentucky use the title «Commonwealth». For Pennsylvania, it fits like a glove. William Penn, the Quaker who founded Pennsylvania in 1681, called his colony a “Holy Experiment” because after many years of sustained war and conflict between Protestants and Catholics in England, Pennsylvania was founded as a place where people of every faith could live together in peace. Pennsylvanians have a Quaker legacy of humility and caring for others. They sailed to the colonies to find religious tolerance and freedom from a selfish king who was more concerned with his own riches than the welfare of the people.
In November, it will be our turn to vote for our future and move forward as a country. We will vote for the representatives who have our best interests at heart. We will vote for strong checks and balances, as members of different parties will have to work together to meet voters’ demands. The people that we put into office have to answer to us. If they don’t, then we, the voters, will remove them from office in the next election. The vote in November will make a difference on every issue we face as a country today. By voting, we build a better tomorrow, but apathy is the enemy.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 65.3% of registered Americans cast a ballot in the last presidential election. Millions of eligible voters participated, but many registered voters chose not to vote, while others never registered at all.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Pennsylvania voters will choose a governor, a lieutenant governor, and the Harrisburg lawmakers who decide everything from school funding to the roads we drive on. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 19.
At the top of the ballot, Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat seeking a second term, faces Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Libertarian Ken Krawchuk. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, a Democrat, faces Republican Jason Richey. All 203 state House seats are up for election, but only 25 of the 50 state Senate seats. This election cycle will only cover the even-numbered districts. Senators serve four-year terms, so the Commonwealth elects half of them every two years, spacing the elections out like the rungs of a ladder. The winners will take office: legislators on December 1, the governor in January.
What do these leaders do? The governor leads the state: signing bills into law or vetoing them, writing the state budget, and commanding the National Guard in emergencies. The lieutenant governor is next in line. He leads the state Senate and votes to break ties. Our 50 state senators write and vote on laws and approve the governor’s appointments. Our 203 state representatives do the lawmaking closest to home, and every bill that spends your tax money must start in their chamber. As you can see, the state government is structured much like the federal government and remains true to the Constitution through checks and balances.
Your part starts now. Registering takes five minutes online at vote.pa.gov, by mail, or at any PennDOT license center. Already registered? Check your status and find your polling place at the same site. On Election Day, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. — and if you are in line by 8 pm, you vote.
Voting is your right, and no one may block your way. If anyone tries to stop you, threatens you, or demands papers at the polls, call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or, en español, 1-888-839-8682.
On November 3, we don’t vote only for ourselves. We vote for the neighbors who cannot, for residents of this country who have no voice, and for the children and youth watching us: the next generation of this Commonwealth.
Your November 3, 2026, ballot at a glance
| Office | Who is running | Term |
| Governor | Josh Shapiro (D, incumbent) vs. Stacy Garrity (R) vs. Ken Krawchuk (L) | 4 years |
| Lieutenant Governor | Austin Davis (D, incumbent) vs. Jason Richey (R) | 4 years |
| State Senate | 25 of 50 seats — even-numbered districts only | 4 years |
| State House | All 203 seats | 2 years |
Key dates: Register by Oct. 19 · Request mail ballot by Oct. 27 · Vote Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.