My office will be closed on Tuesday, May 20 in observance of Election Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, May 21 at 9:00 AM.
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day. Remember, if you are in line by 8 PM, you can vote.
In addition, my office will close at Noon on Friday, May 23 and remain closed all day Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27 at 9:00 AM.
Next week’s newsletter will go out on Thursday, May 22nd.
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Voting Resources for Election Day - Tuesday, May 20
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Know the Voter ID Rules
First-time voters at a polling location must show an approved form of ID. This includes a driver's license, passport, student ID, or a utility bill with your name and address.
See the Full List of Acceptable IDs.
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Return Your Mail-In or Absentee Ballot
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Ballot Return Sites (Open May 16–19, 11 AM – 7 PM)
Return your completed ballot in person at any of the following locations:
- 911 Center – 150 Hookstown Grade Rd, Coraopolis, PA 15108
- Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge – 901 Centerview Dr, Plum, PA 15239
- Carnegie Library – Squirrel Hill – 5801 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- North Park Ice Rink – 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
- South Park Ice Rink – 30 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park, PA 15102
- Dormont Pool – 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
- CCAC – Homewood Campus – 701 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank – 1 N. Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
- Avalon Public Library – 317 S. Home Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
- County Office Building – 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The County Office Building will be open on May 16-19 from 11 AM- 7PM and Election Day from 7 AM to 8 PM for ballot return services.
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Emergency Absentee Ballots
If you become ill or must leave town unexpectedly after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13, you may qualify for an Emergency Absentee Ballot.
Contact your county election office as soon as possible for instructions.
Allegheny County Elections Division: 412-350-4500
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Accessible Voting for Voters with Disabilities
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The Voting Rights Protection Act
The House has passed legislation authored by Speaker Joanna McClinton that would modernize Pennsylvania’s elections and expand access to the ballot.
The Voting Rights Protection Act would allow counties to begin pre-canvassing mail-in ballots before Election Day, helping to speed up vote counting and reduce confusion. It also would expand access to the ballot through early in-person voting, increased use of secure ballot drop boxes, and the ability for voters to correct small mistakes on mail-in ballots.
These updates were developed in partnership with a coalition of voting rights and good-government organizations and reflect how Pennsylvanians want to vote today. By investing in accessibility, clarity, and election security, this legislation helps uphold the Commonwealth’s commitment to free and fair elections. I was proud to support the bill, and I’ll continue working to ensure our elections are accessible to all eligible voters while protecting the integrity of the process.
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Senate Republicans Halt Recreational Cannabis
Last week, something unusual happened in Harrisburg. A Senate Republican committee chair brought up the cannabis legalization bill I introduced with Rep. Rick Krajewski—just to vote it down.
It was all theater. No legalization bill will become law without a negotiation with HB 1200, the House-passed legislation. My hope is that public pressure to move forward will force Senate leaders to stop stalling on this issue and find a path forward.
Rep. Krajewski and I stand ready to talk to with Senate Republicans when they get serious about passing a bill to finally put an end to prohibition. The structure of the legal market will be subject of significant debate, but the values that we seek to uphold should not be: Pennsylvania deserves a market that is grounded in public health and safety, economic opportunity, and justice for those most harmed in the Drug War.
Read about how what we learned in other states shaped HB1200 here.
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Grand Opening of the Sensory Nature Trail at Frick Park
I was proud to join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, elected officials, and local families for the ribbon-cutting of the new Sensory Nature Trail at Frick Park.
This inclusive outdoor space was designed with input from individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and educators to ensure accessibility and meaningful nature experiences for all children. The 1/3-mile trail features sensory stations and gathering areas that support learning, exploration, and well-being.
I'm especially proud to have helped secure state funding for this project, which will make Frick Park more welcoming and enriching for everyone in our community.
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Community Events and Resources
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Millvale Music Festival
Today & Saturday, May 16 & 17 | Millvale Business District
The Millvale Music Festival will host over 300 musical acts on 28 stages as well as 60 visual artists, spoken word performers, comedians, food trucks, and more entertainment. The festival is free and open to everyone.
Learn more here.
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Drive-In Movie: Moana 2
Today & Saturday, May 16 & 17, Sunset | Boyce Park & Settlers Cabin Park
Allegheny County Parks is offering free, family-friendly drive-in movie nights featuring Moana 2 (PG). The May 16 screening will be held at Boyce Park and the May 17 screening at Settlers Cabin Park. Parking opens at 7 p.m. and the movie begins at sunset. Closed captioning is available upon request, and guests may bring their own snacks.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Regent Square Yard Sale
Saturday, May 17, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Regent Square Neighborhood
The annual Regent Square Yard Sale is a neighborhood-wide yard sale coordinated by the Regent Square Civic Association. In case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, May 24.
Free.
View the map of the neighborhood yard sales here.
Learn more here.
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Sweat, Sway & Sow
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Hazelwood Green, 4501 Lytle Street
Hazelwood Local invites the community to the second annual Sweat, Sway & Sow—a free event focused on movement, wellness, and community connection. Attendees can enjoy fitness classes including Zumba, yoga, belly dancing, hip-hop, and double-dutch with the Swing Squad. The event will also feature wellness vendors, local food and beverage options, and family-friendly activities.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Accessible Trek and Trivia Wellness Walk
Saturday, May 17, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Frick Environmental Center
Participants of all fitness levels are invited to take part in a wellness walk that combines light physical activity with a team trivia challenge. The walk will include movements based on Arthritis Foundation guidelines to support strength, flexibility, and joint health, and will follow the accessible trail at the Frick Environmental Center. Trekking poles will be available for use.
Tickets are $7.50.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
Saturday, May 17, 12:00–5:00 PM | SouthSide Works
The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival will return to mark its 10th anniversary. The event will feature food from local restaurants, food trucks, and chefs offering a variety of pierogies and pierogi-inspired dishes. Attendees can also browse the Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace, which will include themed merchandise, handmade goods, and festival items. Additional activities, photo opportunities, and local beverages will also be available.
$7 for adults, $4 for children.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Jam on Walnut—Jukebox
Saturday, May 17, 6-11 PM | Shadyside, Walnut Street
Jam on Walnut is a free outdoor concert held on Walnut Street in the Shadyside Business District.
RSVP here.
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Squirrel Hill Farmers Market
Sundays: Now – December. 21, 9 AM- 1 PM | Beacon Bartlett Parking Lot
The Squirrel Hill Farmers Market is back. The market sells farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods, and hot prepared foods to go. All markets accept food stamps (SNAP) and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program.
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Mad Science Presents: Dinosaurs!
Sunday, May 18, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
Children in Pre-K through Grade 2 are invited to explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on activities. Participants will learn about fossils, discover the size of different dinosaurs, and make a cast of a dinosaur tooth.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Let’s Talk: City of Pittsburgh Comprehensive Plan
Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 PM | 294 Semple Street or Virtual
The Oakland Planning and Development Corporation is hosting an interactive, resident-focused discussion on Pittsburgh’s City-wide Comprehensive plan. The event is an opportunity to learn what a comprehensive plan is, how it connects to the Oakland Plan, and how it could impact the neighborhood. The meeting will include a presentation, Q&A, and information on how to get involved. Refreshments will be served for in-person attendees.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Allegheny County Summer Concert Series
May-August | South Park & Hartwood Acres
The Allegheny County Summer Concert Series features free concerts that begin at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. No tickets are needed. Local food trucks, Hop Farm Brewing, and Black Dog Winery will be on-site at all concerts starting at 6:00 pm. Performances will take place rain or shine at open-air amphitheaters with no covered seating.
Learn more here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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