Election 2022 voters guide: Who you’ll see on the ballot for U.S. Senate and House races
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2022 primary election voters guide
The Pennsylvania primary election is May 17. Voters must be registered to vote by 5 p.m. May 2 and apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. May 10. You must be registered as either a Republican or Democrat to vote in the primary election. This voters guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Centre County with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.
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How to vote, find your polling place and more ahead of the May 17 primary election
Election 2022 voters guide: Meet the candidates for PA governor and lieutenant governor
Election 2022 voters guide: Who you’ll see on the ballot for U.S. Senate and House races
Election 2022 voters guide: Here’s who’s running to represent Centre County in the PA House
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Here’s a look at where the PA governor candidates stand on the state’s mail voting law
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Description of office: The U.S. Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of 100 members (two senators from each state). One-third of the total membership of the Senate is elected every two years. Senators must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and be a resident of the state from which s/he is chosen at the time of the election. Senators write and vote in favor of or against final bills and serve on various policy committees. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including advice/consent on presidential nominations and treaties and conducting the trial of federal officials impeached by the House.
Term: 6 years
Salary: $174,000
Vote for ONE.
All candidates for United States senator were asked:
1. What issue(s) would you prioritize, and how would you work with others in government to get legislation passed and signed into law?
2. What will you do in office to ensure all eligible voters have equal access to free and fair elections?
3. What measures, regulations, or acts, if any, would you support to mitigate climate change?
4. How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
Democratic
ALEX KHALIL
Montgomery County
Education: BS Electrical Engineering Technology from Temple, MS Information and Library Science from Drexel, JD, from Temple Law School
Occupation: IT Quality Specialist
Qualifications: I am a Jenkintown Boro council member elected twice, activist, attorney, single mom of a dyslexic child and a daughter of immigrants, educator and small business owner
Answer to question 1: Lower prescription drugs, bring back manufacturing to the US, economic and environmental renewal. Focus on clean water, air and healthy soil. Combat climate change. Stand for Human Rights. Healthcare as a human right
Answer to question 2: Alex supports and will protect the right of every eligible American citizen to vote by mail in ballot or in person voting. Voter suppression will not be tolerated in any form and will fight for the right to vote. Alex supports stiff penalties for those who try to suppress the vote. Voting is a part of democracy and should be protected.
Answer to question 3: Stop the confiscation of Native American lands by mining companies. Support regenerative farming to prevent runoff that can harm PA waterways. Alex supports providing tax credits to farmers who switch to regenerative farming. Provide more regulation and oversight on all mining to ensure protection of waterways. Currently $15 billion worth of mine reclamation yet to be completed in PA. Convert old coal mines to geothermal systems. Convert old coal power plants to battery storage facilities. Ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to clean drinking water. Stop pipeline construction near fresh water and all water ways, schools, homes and parks. Require Methane capping for gas and oil wells.
Answer to question 4: We need a Marshall Plan for the United States not endless wars. Over the last 50 years our foreign policy has cost us the opportunity to ensure the economic security of the American people. Stop supporting brutal dictatorships and focus on fighting poverty and promoting peace worldwide. Alex opposes all dictatorships and encourages and supports fair elections around the world. Alex supports the boycott of any country that utilizes child labor or benefits from child labor. The US must speak out in support of political prisoners around the world including the Uyghurs and Tibetans of China. Alex supports the boycott of products from any company, state or country that profits from human suffering.
Website: www.alexkhalilforussenate.com
Democratic
CONOR LAMB
Allegheny County
Education: BA, University of Pennsylvania; JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Occupation: U.S. Representative, PA-17
Qualifications: U.S. Marine 2009-2013; Asst. U.S. Attorney 2013-2017; U.S. Representative, 2018-current
Answer to question 1: My first priority is to do my part to help protect our democracy. That starts, I believe, with eliminating the filibuster so that we can pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. I will also work to pass the many other important bills that we’ve passed in the House — including to raise the minimum wage, protect the right to choose, cut prescription drug prices, prevent gun violence, and Build Back Better, among others.
Answer to question 2: I will vote to eliminate the filibuster and to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, as I have in the House, so that we can prevent states from passing the kind of discriminatory voting restrictions that we’re seeing come out of Republican state legislatures across the country. I will also continue working to reform our campaign finance laws.
Answer to question 3: The world emits 51 billion tons of greenhouse gases each year, and we need to get to zero by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of climate change. I support a comprehensive plan to accomplish that, and a flexible energy policy that invests in several different energy sources. I believe natural gas has a role to play as a bridge fuel as we continue to expand renewable energy sources and develop the technology we need to store renewable energy at grid scale. In the House, I helped increase research funds for solar and wind, as well as for modernizing the grid. I also passed a law to reinstate tough methane standards. And I support major investments in carbon and methane capture technology. You can read more about my plan at https://conorlamb.com
Answer to question 4: That’s a very broad question, particularly when there are so many challenges to the international community right now, and different challenges require very different responses. In general, I think it is important for the U.S. to stay actively engaged with the rest of the world, to play the leading role in building international coalitions to confront problems like climate change and COVID that affect all of us, and to support democracies and promote peace and human and civil rights wherever they are threatened.
Website: conorlamb.com
Democratic
MALCOLM KENYATTA
Philadelphia County
Education: Bachelors - Temple University, Masters - Drexel University
Occupation: Representative in Pennsylvania General Assembly
Answer to question 1: I’m in this race to make sure the basic bargain is accessible to all folks, good jobs backed by a union, the ability to go to the doctor and to afford the prescription you may need and to go to a safe school and get an education.
Answer to question 2: The insurrection on January 6, where armed white supremacists tried to execute elected officials to forcibly overturn the certified results of a fair and free election, has already begun inspiring lawmakers throughout the US to make it harder for marginalized communities to vote. 48 states, including Pennsylvania, have introduced or passed oppressive voting bills that restrict access to the ballot box. Increased voting by mail allowed a surge in democratic participation across communities and demographics in 2020. I have outlined an 8 point plan for protecting our democracy and moving forward legislation that matters here. https://malcolmforpa.medium.com/a-new-day-for-american-democracy-an-eight-point-plan-24bd7f32f324
Answer to question 3: Our planet is rapidly approaching the point of no return as global temperatures continue to rise. The United States must lead the world in responding to the climate crisis on the scale, scope, and urgency this moment requires. But climate justice isn’t limited to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. That means we need a moratorium on new fracking and to end tax breaks to oil and gas giants, shifting our resources to fund a just transition and investments in green energy technology so Pennsylvania remains an energy leader. Climate justice means investment in green union jobs for workers leaving the fossil fuel industry, accountability for the communities poisoned by fossil fuel extraction, and innovation.
Answer to question 4: The US must continue to protect our NATO allies, Israel, and other major non-NATO allies across the world.
Website: www.malcolmkenyatta.com
Democratic
JOHN FETTERMAN
Allegheny County
Education: Albright College, B.S. 1991 University of Connecticut., M.B.A. 1993 Harvard University Kennedy School, M.P.P. 199
Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
Qualifications: Risk-Management Insurance Underwriter, Chubb & Son 1993-1994 Member, AmeriCorps 1995-1997 Program Coordinator, Braddock Out-Of-School Youth 2001-2007 Founder & President, Braddock Redux 2003-2017 Mayor of the Borough of Braddock, 2006-2019 Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, 2019-Present
Answer to question 1: Among my top issues are tackling income inequality and economic injustices; raising wages and benefits for working families; reforming the criminal justice system; codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law; passing anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community; protecting and expanding the right to vote; and protecting and expanding the union way of life.
Answer to question 2: I would strongly support legislation in Congress, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the For the People Act, and the Freedom to Vote Act, which aim to expand voting rights. It is important that we make it easier for people to vote, eliminate dark money in politics, and knock down restrictions that marginalize voters, mostly voters of color. I would proudly eliminate the filibuster to do it. In the aftermath of the 2020 elections, I was removed from the floor of the PA state Senate after resisting Republican efforts to refuse to seat Senator Jim Brewster after he fairly won his election. We must enshrine the right to vote into federal law to stop Republicans from undermining it, and as Senator I will do everything to make that happen.
Answer to question 3: Climate change is an existential threat, and we need to transition to clean energy as quickly as possible. I have never taken a dime from the fossil fuel industry, and I never will. It’s a totally false choice that we have to choose between jobs and a clean environment. We can have both, that’s why I am always going to fight for creating thousands upon thousands of good-paying green union jobs as we transition, all while increasing our energy independence. My plan for the transition to clean energy starts with immediate investments into research and development and innovation; expanding renewable energy sources; and ensuring clean transportation infrastructure; and investing in environmental justice measures.
Answer to question 4: I am very happy that President Biden is rebuilding the US’s standing in the international community after former President Trump damaged it so much. As a world leader, America must first and foremost ensure proper diplomatic relations, protect its allies, and engage in vigorous diplomacy across the globe. In addition, where there is a need, and to the extent that we can, America must help. That includes accepting refugees fleeing war in their countries, or providing humanitarian aid, military aid, and other support to countries like Ukraine that are defending themselves from attacks on their sovereignty by brutal dictators like Putin.
Website: johnfetterman.com
Republican
KATHY BARNETTE
Montgomery County
Education: College Graduate
Occupation: MOM | Veteran | Author | Political Commentator
Qualifications: Kathy Barnette is a veteran, former adjunct professor of corporate finance, sought-after conference speaker, & conservative political commentator. Kathy served her country proudly for 10 years in the Army reserves.
Answer to question 1: I will work to make America energy independent again. As your U.S. Senator in Pennsylvania, I sponsor or co-sponsor legislation that reverses the hostile environment in the energy sector that Biden and Democrats have created and reinstate drilling for natural gas and oil on federal lands. I will work to grow our economy by creating an environment where our companies do not have to flee our nation to escape onerous taxes and regulations. I will work to create an economy where the middle class are not perpetually squeezed. And, I will work to create an economy where those who find themselves below the bottom rung of the economic ladder believe there is hope for them to work to create a different life for themselves.
Answer to question 2: If the election of 2020 has taught us anything it is that elections have consequences and that nothing is more important than the people knowing that their vote counts. I will work to enforce the obvious fact that IDs matter and must be shown before a person is allowed to vote. I will work to remove dead people from the voter rolls. I will work to remove those people who no longer live in the state. I will work to reverse Act 77. I will work to make it illegal for third-party entities to spend massive amounts of money to assist states with their elections (i.e., Zuckerberg’s entities spending money to install drop boxes in certain areas)
Answer to question 3: I will work to make America energy independent again.
No one is going to produce energy as clean and as safe as America.
Answer to question 4: America is the face of freedom. When we “lead from behind” we create a vacuum and as we are all watching unfold today, despotic regimes will move rapidly to fill that void. Today, the Biden Administration’s foreign affairs strategy looks like a game of wack-o-mole. There’s no discernible end game. There’s no deliberate strategy and as a result the world is now a more dangerous place. If your concern is the health of the climate then the Biden Administration’s lack of a credible foreign affairs strategy is enemy #1. America’s #1 challenge today is the need to re-prioritize what is important to America first. Our nation must be made strong again.
Website: www.barnetteforsenate.com
Republican
MEHMET OZ
Montgomery County
Did not respond
Website: doctorozforsenate.com
Republican
GEORGE BOCHETTO
Philadelphia County
Did not respond
Website: bochettoforsenate.com
Republican
JEFF BARTOS
Montgomery County
Did not respond
Website: JeffBartos.com
Republican
DAVE McCORMICK
Allegheny County
Did not respond
Website: www.davemccormickpa.com
Republican
SEAN GALE
Montgomery County
Did not respond
Website: www.galeforsenate.com
Republican
CARLA SANDS
Cumberland County
Did not respond
Website: Carlasands.com
REPRESENTATIVE IN U.S. CONGRESS: 15TH DISTRICT
Description of office: The U.S. Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of representatives from each state, elected in proportion to population. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives, with 17 representatives allotted to Pennsylvania after the 2020 census. A U.S. representative must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years, and be a resident of the state they seek to represent at the time of the election (though not necessarily the same district). The House of Representatives is responsible for introducing and voting on bills, resolutions and amendments, and for approving the budget. Representatives also serve on various policy committees. The House may send articles of impeachment of elected officials to the Senate and elects the president if there is a tie in the Electoral College.
Term: 2 years
Salary: $174,000
Vote for ONE.
All candidates for U.S. representative were asked:
1. What issue(s) would you prioritize, and how would you work with others in government to get legislation passed and signed into law?
2. What will you do in office to ensure all eligible voters have equal access to free and fair elections?
3. What measures, regulations, or acts, if any, would you support to mitigate climate change?
4. How do you view the role of the U.S. in responding to challenges facing the international community?
Democratic
No candidate filed
Republican
GLENN ‘GT’ THOMPSON
Centre County
Education: B.S. the Pennsylvania State University, M.A. Temple University
Occupation: Member of Congress
Qualifications: Former Therapist and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator; Former Bald Eagle School Board Member; Former Centre County GOP Chairman; Member of Congress PA-5 (2009-2019); Member of Congress PA-15 (2020-Current).
Answer to question 1: Millions lack access to reliable, high-speed internet service, particularly in rural America. COVID-19 highlighted the urgency for connectivity, as so much of life shifted online. I will continue to work to close the digital divide and bring connectivity to rural America.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve common ground and consensus. I credit my career in healthcare and volunteer experiences, whether scouting, as an EMT and firefighter, or on school board. Each provided me the ability to work with people from all walks of life. I believe the constituents expect this from their voice in Washington. It is an honor to serve them and I am humbled by their continued support.
Answer to question 2: Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democratic system of government. It is imperative we maintain the integrity of our electoral process and ensure every American’s right to vote. While I encourage efforts to reduce illegal activities in our federal elections, Congress needs to respect the role state and local governments play in shaping their own electoral processes. Discrimination of any kind is completely unacceptable. This is not a partisan issue; all Americans should push for inclusion and participation in the electoral process.
Answer to question 3: As Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I and my colleagues have introduced bills to improve forest management, increase access to precision agriculture, restore healthy soils, and produce responsible energy and conservation incentives. We cannot sacrifice a healthy economy for a healthy environment, and vice versa. Natural solutions work, and we know that farmers, ranchers, and foresters are the key to those solutions. I also have authored the SUSTAINS Act, which will encourage private-sector partnerships by encouraging businesses to support sustainability through investment in conservation practices. Thoughtful, science-based policies will help promote a stronger agriculture economy and healthier environment.
Answer to question 4: The U.S. plays a critical role in shaping international policy together with those countries that share our values. There are a number of diplomatic tools at our disposal to discourage bad actors from inflicting harm. I am a strong supporter of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which Congress established in 1984 with President Reagan, to improve national security and global stability by reducing violent conflicts abroad. We should always strive to mitigate conflict through diplomacy, but as an Army dad, I know we must also continue to have the best funded, highly trained, and lethal fighting force on the planet. And we must be there for our troops when their service concludes.
Website: GTThompson.com
This story was originally published May 1, 2022 at 6:00 AM.