Decision 2020

LIVE UPDATES: Allegheny Co. DA Zappala wins Democratic primary

PITTSBURGH — The 2019 Pennsylvania May primary election was Tuesday. We're following the latest developments as results come in from across the state.

RACE RESULTS: CLICK HERE for the results as votes are counted.

UPDATE: 10:35 p.m.: Bethany Hallam has defeated incumbent John DeFazio for Allegheny County Council. Hallam is a 29-year-old office manager who struggled with addiction to prescription opioids and spent time in jail.

UPDATE: 10:24 p.m.: Turahn Jenkins has conceded the Democratic primary for Allegheny County District Attorney to incumbent Stephen Zappala.

UPDATE: 9:33 p.m.: A source tells Channel 11 that Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Darlene Harris has conceded to Bobby Wilson for their North Side district.

UPDATE: 9:10 p.m.: Acting Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said there were no major problems or incidents during today's voting.

“Fair weather across the commonwealth and dedicated hard-working poll workers and county election officials made today a calm, smoothly run primary day,” Boockvar said.

In addition, there were no problems reported with the new voting systems used in several counties, including Lawrence, Greene and Indiana.

UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.: Results have started to come in for the 2019 Pa. primaries. Stay with WPXI.com for the results and watch 11 at 11 for analysis.

🗳️ Results are starting to come in!

Posted by WPXI-TV Pittsburgh on Tuesday, May 21, 2019

UPDATE: 8:00 p.m.: Polls are now closed across the state in the primary election. Ballots will now be counted.

UPDATE: 1:15 p.m.: Allegheny County has said turnout is estimated to be around 20 percent, with a higher percentage of Democrats casting ballots than Republicans.

UPDATE: 11:45 a.m.: Both candidates for Allegheny County District Attorney cast their ballots Tuesday morning.

Longtime District Attorney Stephen Zappala is facing his first challenger in 20 years: Turahn Jenkins.

Jenkins worked for Zappala as a prosecutor and as a public defender.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro tweeted the following reminder to voters:

“Remember: if anything goes wrong today, if you’re not in the poll book or if the voting machines break down—you have the right to vote by provisional ballot.”

UPDATE 7 a.m.: Polls have opened. Voters have until 8 p.m. to cast their votes. (CLICK HERE to find your polling location.)

ORIGINAL STORY: Here's a complete guide to everything you need to know before heading out to cast your vote May 21:

Races to watch

There are dozens and dozens of races on the local level that pertain to each of the state's municipalities, but there are a few higher-profile races to watch.

The race for Pennsylvania's Superior Court involves Amanda Green-Hawkins of Pittsburgh, and Beth Tarasi, of Allegheny County.

There are three special elections taking place: two for the state Senate and one for the state House. This includes Butler County, where Democrat Sam Doctor and Republican Marci Mustello are on the ballot. There is a special election for the 33rd Senate District, where Democrat Sarah Hammond is up against Republican Doug Mastriano. For the 41st Senate District, Susan Boser, a Democrat, is running against Republican Joe Pittman.

Finding your polling place

Need help finding your district? Click the link here.

First time voters

Voting for the first time in PA? Voting at a new polling place? Here's how to prepare:

  • Bring a photo or non-photo ID.
  • Realize the busiest times of day are morning and evening.
  • If you have a question, ask a poll worker.
  • If your name is not on the voter roster and you believe you registered to vote in your precinct, you may have the right to vote with a provisional ballot.