Voters Head To Polls On Election Day
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Today is Election Day and there are some key races to be aware of in our area.
The most notable race in Pittsburgh today is for the mayor's seat after Luke Ravenstahl decided to not run for re-election.
Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Peduto voted this morning in Squirrel Hill.
As the likely successor to Ravenstahl, Peduto said he felt calm on Election Day.
"I feel calm. Friends keep asking me, 'Do you feel excited?' I think you get into a day like today, you've worked for for so many years, you either end up being very anxious and excited or you end up being very calm. And I'm the latter," Peduto said.
Peduto faces opposition from Republican Josh Wander.
Wander moved to Israel in September, but maintains a rental home in Pittsburgh.
He said he's running for a reason.
"There's no fame and glory running as a Republican in the City of Pittsburgh, but it's an important job. There is a reason we have a two-party system. Two parties creates accountability between the system. If you know you're automatically going to get in over and over again no matter what you do, there's no accountability and that's what we've had in Pittsburgh for almost a century," Wander said.
Voters today will also have their say on whether Pittsburgh Police officers and other city employees should have to live in the city.
They currently do, but in October of 2012, the state legislature opened the door for police to challenge the requirement.
Election officials expect low voter turnout across the board with an estimated 25 percent of eligible voters heading to the polls in Allegheny County.
But, for those voting in Squirrel Hill this morning, staying home wasn't an option.
"I think it's the duty of an American citizen and I don't like complacency," Stanley Hirsch said.
"It's part of our responsibility. I'm informed. I want to be part of my city, state and national government when they have elections," Ginny Scott said.
Polling places are open until 8 p.m.
Voters could be asked the show a photo identification, but are not required to do so.
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