Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)
Montgomery County officials continued preparations for the upcoming 2025 general election just days before Election Day.
Montgomery County Election Board Chairman Neil Makhija emphasized the importance of voter engagement and turnout for the off-year election featuring municipal positions, school boards and judgeships.
“I’m always looking to see more people vote,” Makhija said ahead of Election Day on Tuesday.
Around 618,000 registered voters were recorded in Montgomery County, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson. There were roughly 105,000 mail-in ballot requests, of which 60,500 were submitted as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, which reflected a roughly 58 percent return rate.
Four Montgomery County voters were mailed two mail-in ballots earlier this month ahead of the general election, according to Montgomery County Communications Director Megan Alt. They were among 68 ballots, which were possibly duplicated across seven counties, including Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, and Montgomery counties, according to reporting from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
While the circumstances leading up to the incident were unclear, Alt stressed “our elections have many safeguards to ensure that only one ballot can be voted and counted per individual qualified electors.”
Election information
All ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, when the polls close on Election Day. Along with voting by mail or absentee ballots, voters can also cast their ballot in-person.
Eighteen drop boxes are available across Montgomery County. Locations included Abington, Ambler, Bryn Mawr, Collegeville, Elkins Park, Fort Washington, Green Lane, Harleysville, King of Prussia, Lafayette Hill, Lansdale, Narberth, Norristown, Pottstown, Royersford, and Willow Grove. The Montgomery County office of Voter Services has listed a full schedule and locations at montcovotes.com. Anyone with questions can also call 610-278-3280.
As for the election’s in-person component, around 1,500 poll workers and 390 judges of election will be working at 426 precincts across the county. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and Makhija stressed registered voters “make a plan to vote on Election Day.”
North Penn School Board
In the North Penn area, four seats on the North Penn School board will be on the ballot Nov. 4, with three incumbent Democrats not running after two terms and one incumbent Democrat and seven newcomers squaring off for four-year terms, guaranteeing at least three new board members.
Towamencin Township
Two new supervisors will also be seated in Towamencin, as voters choose between two pairs of candidates for seats being vacated by longtime incumbent Chuck Wilson, who lost in the May primary, and appointee Amer Barghouth, who was appointed in March after the resignation of prior supervisor Laura Smith in the wake of a controversy spurred by her viral Tiktok video.
Current North Penn School Board Director Christian Fusco is facing off against Republican Stephanie German in the race for township tax collector.
Hatfield Township
One new commissioner is also guaranteed in Hatfield, where incumbent Bob Rodgers has chosen not to run again in Ward 2 and candidates from both parties are squaring off, alongside another race for commissioner in Ward 4.
Lansdale Borough
And Lansdale is guaranteed to have a new mayor, but one familiar to voters: current Democrat councilwoman Rachael Bollens is facing off against former Republican Mayor Andy Szekely for a four-year term as mayor, as current mayor Garry Herbert runs unopposed for the seat on council currently held by Bollens.
Montgomery Township
One familiar name and three new ones will be on the ballot for Montgomery Township’s voters on Tuesday.
Incumbent Democrat Beth Staab and fellow Democrat Eric Pelletier are being opposed by Republicans John Dale and Steve Fedele for two six-year terms on the township’s board of supervisors.
Incumbent Republican tax collector Patricia Gallagher is being challenged by outgoing North Penn School Board Director Tina Stoll.
North Wales Borough
Incumbent Democrats Anji Fazio and Sally Neiderhiser are opposed on the ballot by former Mayor and Republican Greg D’Angelo, who said he has already conceded from the mayor race against incumbent Neil McDevitt.
Upper Gwynedd Township
Incumbent Democrats have made their case to hold seats against Republican challengers in Montgomery and Upper Gwynedd Townships and North Wales Borough races. North Wales also has a rematch on the ballot for the town’s mayoral race, with two candidates facing off for the third straight election.
Souderton Area School District
In the Souderton Area School District, two teams are squaring off for four open seats on the GOP-led school board. The Republican “Keep Souderton Strong” team includes incumbents Janet Flisak, Stephen Nelson and Andrew Landis as well as newcomer Steve Long. The Democratic “Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership” team includes challengers Corinne DeGeiso, Alexandra Wisser, Rosemary Buetikofer and Andrew Souchet.
Telford Borough
In Telford Borough, six candidates are vying for three open seats on borough council. The Democratic “Telford Unity” team includes incumbent John Taylor and newcomers Lauren Geitz and John Ralston, while the Republican candidates include incumbent Bob Jacobus and newcomers Teresa Rixon and Lindsay Rossi as Telford Tough.
The council currently has a 4-3 Republican majority.
Republican Mayor Jerry Gureste is running for reelection unopposed. Republican incumbent Robert Sparks, of Bucks, is running unopposed for a 2-year term on council. If all goes well for Sparks, it will leave council with a 2-2 party split.
Telford Borough is the only municipality on the ballot split between Bucks and Montgomery counties.
According to Bucks County Courier Times, GOP voters make up 49% of 1,636 voters in Bucks County and about 44% in Montgomery County. Nearly 19% of those voters in Montgomery County and almost 17% in Bucks County are third-party or unaffiliated voters, according to the newspaper.
The Telford Democrats have made Jacobus' push for defunding the Indian Valley Public Library in 2023 and the attendance of incumbents as the major platforms on their campaign.
Pennridge School District
In the Pennridge School District, two teams are contending for four open seats on the Democratic-led school board. The Democratic “Pennridge Community Alliance” team consists of newcomers Dan Bebernitz, Thomas Trauger, Nathaniel Leffever and Carly Taylor. The Republican “Pennridge for Excellence” team consists of former board member Jonathan Russell and newcomers Michael Bongiovanni, Daniel Mainieri and Brian McMullen. The Republicans are hoping to reclaim their long-held majority on the board, while the Democrats are hoping to maintain their majority following an upset victory in the 2023 board election.
Perkasie Borough
In Perkasie Borough, 12 candidates are vying for six open seats on the GOP-led borough council. In Ward 1, Republican incumbent David Worthington, Republican newcomer Csaba Lorinczy and Democratic newcomers Lilli Benner and Stephen Nathan are contending for two seats. In Ward 2, Republican newcomer Joel Nieto and Democratic newcomer Jaclyn S. Cornelius are contending for one seat. In Ward 3, Republican incumbents Scott Bomboy and Randy Faulkner and Democratic newcomers Joseph Green and Collin Garr are vying for two full-term seats, while Republican newcomer Dale Schlegel Jr. and Democratic newcomer Emma Hawkins are vying for one two-year seat.
Trappe Borough
Four Republican incumbents are seeking reelection to the Trappe Borough Council. There is also a contest for mayor with incumbent Republican Matthew Wismer being challenged by Democrat Heather Blumenthal.
Lower Frederick Township
Voters in Lower Frederick will choose two supervisors for six-year terms, with no incumbents on the ballot next month.
Perkiomen Township
Two Democrats seek reelection as Republicans aim to gain seats on the board.
Perkiomen Valley School District
The Perkiomen Valley school board features a full slate of Democrats and Republicans, three of whom are incumbents.
The incumbents are Jason Saylor, Don Fountain and Rowan Keenan, all of whom will appear on the Republican ballot line. The fourth Republican is Russ Larson, who is making a second consecutive run for the board.
The Democrats are former board member Judy Lofton, Ann Bridy, Cindy Westphal and Kevin Williams.
Central Bucks School District
CBSD will see its first election since the courts changed the district from nine to three voting regions.
Daniel Kimicata is the sole incumbent seeking re-election, who replaced outgoing Director Dr. Mariam Mahmud last year.
There are four candidates for the two seats up for grabs in Region 3. Candidates include Kimicata, Katrina O. Filiatrault, Elizabeth “Betty” Santoro and Roman Szewczuk.
All are cross-filed so their names appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.
Running to fill an open two-year seat in Region 3 are David Comalli and Brenda Bagonis. Region 3 includes Chalfont Borough, New Britain Township South 1 and 2 and West 1 and 2 and Warrington Township.
Amanda O’Connor and Andrew Miller are competing for a four-year term in Region 2, comprised of Buckingham Township and Lower 1 in Doylestown Borough, 3-1 and 3-2, New Britain Township –East 1, New Britain Borough and Warwick Township.
Region 1 has no seats on the ballot this year.
Quakertown School District
There is one seat open in the Region 3 area on the Quakertown Community School District board. Voters will choose between Republican Mike Post and Democrat Roberta Rogers.
Bedminster Township
In Bedminster Township on Tuesday, 17-year incumbent Republican Glenn Wismer is being challenged by Democrat Donald Bradley for a 6-year term on the board.
Chalfont Borough
Candidates are vying for four open seats carrying 4-year terms on the Borough Council. Republicans Michael Beebie, Jessica D. Briggs, and Kevin Lee are facing off against Democrats Kai Bode, Dan Colbert, John R. Engel, and Kevin Flanagan.
Voters will also choose a mayor for a 4-year term between Democrat Sarbani Hazra or incumbent Republican Mayor Brian Wallace.
Doylestown Borough
Doylestown is split into six wards, with different candidates in each one. However, there is no contest in the General Election, as the number of candidates in each ward matches the number of open seats.
In Wards 1-1 and 1-2, Democrats Amy Taylor Popkin and Ben Bell have no opposition for two open 4-year seats. The same goes for Democratic candidates Jack O’Brien and Dennis P. Livrone In Wards 2-1 and 2-2, and Democrats Larry Browne and Connor O’Hanlon in Wards 3-1 and 3-2.
Incumbent Mayor Noni West, who cross-filed, has no opponent.
Michelle Crunkleton, who cross-filed, has no opponent in her race for a 4-year term for tax collector.
Doylestown Township
Voters will elect two candidates for a 6-year term each on Doylestown Township supervisors. Candidates include Republicans Colleen Brophy Brennan and Joseph Van Houten and Democrats Christina Maida and Dan Wood.
Dublin Borough
There is no contest in the General Election, as four candidates are vying for four open seats: Republicans Grace Deon, Chelsey Crocker Jackman, and Colin Monahan, and Democrat Tiffany Thomas-Smith.
Republican Christopher N. Hayes is the sole candidate for mayor
East Rockhill Township
Supervisor Gary Volovnik, who cross-filed, is running unopposed for a 6-year supervisors term.
Kathleen Percetti, who cross-filed, is running unopposed in the township for a 4-year tax collector term.
Hilltown Township
Tabora Farms owner Caleb Torrice is the sole candidate on the Republican ticket for the one open seat on the board of supervisors, carrying a 6-year term.
Diane Kelly, who cross-filed, is running for tax collector with no opposition.
New Britain Borough
There are four seats up for grabs in New Britain Borough, each carrying a 4-year term. Candidates include Libertarians Alexander Bentrium and Rob Ronky, and Democratic incumbents Loren L. Frasco and Maureen Loh, and Democrat Laura Price. There are no Republican challengers.
Democrat James D. Donovan is running unopposed for mayor.
New Britain Township
Next door in New Britain Township, voters will decide one person to elect to the board of supervisors for a 6-year term: Republican Steven Groman or incumbent Democrat MaryBeth McCabe.
Plumstead Township
Plumstead voters have to choose between four candidates to fill two 6-year terms on the board of supervisors. Democrats Jennifer Moroney and Ken Lichtenstein are facing off against Republicans Lurleen Worthington and James McComb.
Incumbent tax collector Sherry Bunch Labs, who cross-filed, is running unopposed for re-election.
Quakertown Borough
Quakertown voters will choose three people to fill 4-year terms on borough council Tuesday across its five voting wards.
Republican Tim Ritter has no opposition for the 2-year council seat on the ballot. However, Republicans Christopher LaBonge, Joanne Paulovitz, and Donald E. Rosenberger are facing off against Democrats Mae Wear and David Wilsey for the 4-year seats.
Sellersville Borough
Incumbent Democratic Mayor Thomas C. Hufnagle is running unopposed for mayor.
Silverdale Borough
Voters will choose between Republican Jim Browne and Democrat Thomas Heckler for mayor.
Warminster Township
Multiple Warminster Township supervisors seats are up for grabs on Tuesday. Supervisor Ken Hayes, a Democrat, is seeking re-election, alongside newcomer Mary Owens, who is looking to replace outgoing Democratic Supervisor Judith Hoover.
Republicans Robert Guarini, the township's auditor, and Vitaliy Velenchuk, a current member of the Bucks County Human Relations Council, are on the GOP ticket for Warminster supervisors.
Four Democrats currently sit on the board of supervisors with one Republican in a township that is predominantly Republican -- 45% to 40% registered Democrats, according to October voting data.
Warrington Township
Voters will choose one candidate to fill a 6-year term on the board of supervisors: Republican Michele DeBlasio or Democrat Ruth E. Schemm
Warwick Township
Voters will choose one candidate to fill a 6-year term on the board of supervisors: Democrat Robert Brodrecht, Libertarian Brittany Kosin, or incumbent Republican Supervisor Robin Taber.
West Rockhill Township
Voters will choose one candidate to fill a 6-year term on the board of supervisors: Incumbent Democratic Chairman Jim Miller or Republican challenger David A. Reiss Sr.
State Supreme Court judges up for retention
In addition to the local races, decisions whether or not to retain three state Supreme Court justices have become a hot topic.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht, all Democrats, are up for retention and voters will be tasked with choosing whether or not they’re on the bench another decade. Reporting from the Associated Press revealed if the trio loses in the upcoming election, there’d be vacancies and the 5-2 Democratic majority would become an even 2-2 split until 2027. There was a caveat identified for a shorter time if Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, and the majority Republican state Senate can reach an agreement on interim appointments.
“There’s also the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which is on the back of the ballot. It’s a retention race that doesn’t come up very often because they have 10-year terms, but these are really important elections that affect people’s lives in really important ways,” Makhija said, spotlighting the constitution, gerrymandering, as well as environmental and reproductive rights as critical issues.
Election safety, security remain top of mind
Stressing the importance of free and fair elections, Makhija underscored “there’s so many safeguards that make it certain that our elections have integrity. We also do two audits after every election.”
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office also monitors a tip line at 610-292-2024 where people can report tips or concerns of suspicious activity related to the election.
Additional candidate information questionnaires can be found in election guides on The Reporter and Times Herald websites.
MediaNews Group staff writers Dan Sokil and John Worthington contributed to this report, as did North Penn Now editor Tony Di Domizio.
This article appears courtesy of a content share agreement between North Penn Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit https://www.thereporteronline.com
Incumbent Democrats Anji Fazio and Sally Neiderhiser are opposed on the ballot by former Mayor and Republican Greg D’Angelo
