Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, October 31, 2025

My office will be closed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in observance of Election Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, November 5, during regular business hours.

 

Voting Resources – 2025 General Election

Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 4, 2025

 

Sample Ballots
Sample ballots for the 2025 General Election are now available. To view your ballot, you’ll need to know your municipality, ward, and district. This information is on your voter registration card or can be found using the PA Voter Services tool.

 

Check Your Voter Registration

Registered voters can verify their registration online via the Pennsylvania Department of State portal. The portal provides:

  • Election Day polling places
  • Mail-in/absentee ballot status
  • Contact info for County Boards of Elections

Voting with a Criminal Conviction

Individuals with misdemeanor or felony convictions are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania.

Voting eligibility includes jail/prison (misdemeanor), house arrest, probation/parole, halfway house, or pretrial detention.

Some voters may require absentee ballots.

No action needed to regain voting rights after completing a felony sentence.

 

College Students 

Can vote at college or home address (one location only).

 

Mail-in / Absentee Ballots

Track your ballot here.

 

Allegheny County Ballot Return Sites 

Voters that applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot can return only their own ballot at one of locations below, instead of mailing it.

Hours of Operation:

  • Friday, October 31, 11 AM- 7 PM
  • Saturday, November 1, 9 AM- 5 PM
  • Sunday, November 2, 9 AM- 5 PM
  • Monday, November 3, 11 AM- 7 PM
  • Tuesday, November 4, 7 AM- 8 PM (County Office Building Only)

Locations:

  • Allegheny County Emergency Servies Building, 150 Hookstown Grade Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108
  • Avalon Public Library, 317 S Home Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
  • Boyce Park Four Season Lodge, 901 Centerview Dr, Plum, PA 15239
  • Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
  • CCAC Homewood, 701 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
  • County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • Dormont Pool, 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
  • Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
  • North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
  • South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park, PA 15102

Accessible Voting

All polling places must have at least one accessible voting system.

Check accessibility before Election Day

Permanent absentee ballots are available for voters with permanent disabilities.

 

Poll Workers Wanted 

Earn $150-175 on Election Day. 

Apply online. 

 

Voter Education Toolkit 

Provides tools to educate voters about: 

  • Election deadlines 
  • How to vote 
  • Secure voting systems in PA 

Harrisburg Happenings

Governor Shapiro Fights to Restore SNAP Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

 

Governor Shapiro has joined a coalition of 24 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, demanding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) use available contingency funds to continue November SNAP payments.

 

While normal appropriations for SNAP have lapsed because Republicans in Washington — who control the U.S. House, Senate and the White House — failed to pass a federal budget, alternative funds do exist and should be used to fund the program.

 

I’m grateful to Governor Shapiro for taking this step to fight for the protection of this vital program from political games.

Letter to PUC concerning LIHEAP-Eligible Households

 

I joined many of my colleagues in signing a letter to the Public Utility Commission asking them to pause the termination of heat for LIHEAP-eligible households until the program opens in December.  Normally, LIHEAP opens to applicants in November, but due to the Federal Government Shutdown, the program’s application period was delayed to December 3, leaving thousands of Pennsylvania unable to pay their heating bills.  

 

If you need assistance with heating your home before December, please call 211.

Right to Repair, Grinch Bots, and Protecting Vaccine Access

 

This week, the House advanced consumer protection and public health measures to the Senate for consideration. Representative Kyle Mullins’ Right to Repair Electronics bill would give consumers and independent repair shops access to the parts, tools, and information needed to fix electronic devices like phones, laptops, and appliances. By breaking manufacturer repair monopolies, this legislation will save families money, reduce electronic waste, and strengthen local small businesses.

 

We also passed Representative Steve Malagari’s bill to prohibit “Grinch Bots” — software that allows scalpers to buy up in-demand products and tickets online and resell them at inflated prices. This commonsense legislation will help ensure a fair marketplace and protect consumers from predatory online practices.

 

Finally, the House approved legislation to safeguard Pennsylvanians’ access to vaccines amid recent federal upheaval around immunizations guidelines. Led by Representatives Arvind Venkat, Tarik Khan, and Bridget Kosierowski – all trained health providers themselves -- the Protecting Vaccine Access in Pennsylvania Act requires insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and major medical societies.

 

Community Events and Resources

Donating to Local Families

Cobra C.A.R.E.S. (Community Action to Reach Every Student) and The Allderdice Helping Hub provides essential items—such as groceries, toiletries, and hygiene products—to local families associated with Colfax and Allderdice schools who may need extra support.

You can help these great local programs through the links below:

              

You can contribute to Cobra C.A.R.E.S financially here or donate items here

 

You can contribute to Allderdice Helping Hub by purchasing something on their Amazon Wish List.

Pittsburgh Public School Board Director Yael Silk Constituent Office Hours

 

On October 24, Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Wayne N. Walters shared the district’s detailed Future Ready Implementation Plan.

 

Yael Silk, Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Director for District 4, will be available to meet one-on-one with constituents to gather questions and suggestions ahead of the follow-up public meeting on November 17. Feedback collected will be shared at that meeting to ensure community concerns are addressed before the agenda review, public hearing, and final vote scheduled before Thanksgiving.

 

Constituents can sign up for a one-on-one meeting here or submit feedback online here.

City of Pittsburgh Trick-or-Treat
Today, October 31

 

Trick-or-treating hours for this year’s Halloween will be from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to carry a flashlight or wear costumes that glow or reflect light. Motorists are asked to be especially vigilant on Halloween night by avoiding speeding and staying alert for children and families who are trick-or-treating.

 

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

A Nightmare on Greenfield Avenue: Neighborhood 80s Halloween Party
Today, October 31, 6 PM–10 PM | Mondays Brewing, Greenfield

 

The Greenfield Community Association and Alternate Histories are hosting a free, neighborhood, 80s-themed Halloween party. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating for kids, while adults can take part in a special beer-and-candy pairing. The evening will also feature food from Smashed N’ Fried, music by DJ MB, a costume contest, and local vendors offering unique items for sale.

Neighbors are invited to stop by after trick-or-treating to celebrate together and keep the Halloween fun going. Costumes are encouraged for all ages.

 

Free to attend.

 

Learn more here.

Giant Eagle Offers Double Value for Pennies Amid Coin Phase-Out
Saturday, November 1, 11 AM–4 PM | All Giant Eagle Locations


Giant Eagle is encouraging customers to turn in their spare pennies, offering double their value in store gift cards. Shoppers can exchange between 50 cents and $100 worth of pennies to receive gift cards worth $1 to $200.


Learn more here.

Pennsylvanians can enroll in 2025 health insurance coverage through Pennie from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026.

 

Republicans in Congress have yet to agree to extend health care subsidies.  Consequently, we expect the cost of plans in our marketplace to go up significantly.

 

If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.

Saturday Morning Yoga at Bakery Square
Saturday, November 1, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Bakery Square

 

This all-levels yoga class blends Hatha and Vinyasa traditions with restorative elements to help participants unwind and reset for the week ahead.

 

Classes will be held outdoors on the lawn in front of City Kitchen’s patio when weather permits and indoors in The Portal during inclement weather. Participants should bring their own yoga mat and water.

 

Free. Registration is required, and space is limited.


Learn more and register here.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Sunday, November 2, 11 AM – 2 PM | Squirrel Hill Business District

 

SHUC and La Escuelita will host their second annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, featuring live music, sugar skulls, food, and more. Community members are invited to gather for this cultural celebration of life and remembrance.

 

Free.

 

Learn more here.

Slovak Heritage Festival
Sunday, November 2, 12 PM – 4 PM | Cathedral of Learning

 

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures will host a public event celebrating Slovak culture, history, food, crafts, and education.

 

Free.

 

Learn more here

Festival of Choirs
Sunday, November 2, 4 PM | Third Presbyterian Church, 5701 Fifth Ave, 15232

 

Join the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale and three local high school choirs for the annual Festival of Choirs — a celebration of community, collaboration, and the enduring power of choral music. Each choir will perform individually before coming together for a grand finale featuring the world premiere of the 2025 Carol and Robert Woody Choral Commission by composer Sherry Blevins.

 

Free to attend.

 

Learn more here.

Squirrel Hill Cookbook Club – November
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 7 PM – 8 PM | Riverstone Books, 5841 Forbes Ave, 15217

 

Join the Squirrel Hill Cookbook Club to explore recipes from across Scandinavia. Participants are encouraged to prepare a dish inspired by Nordic flavors and share it with fellow food lovers.

If you’re unable to cook for the event, you’re still welcome to attend, enjoy the company, and sample the dishes that others bring. Don’t forget to bring containers for any leftovers!

 

Free; registration required.

 

Learn more and RSVP here.

Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures
Thursday, November 6, 6 PM | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4440 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh

 

Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and award-winning illustrator Shawn Harris will present the latest installment of their bestselling children’s series, featuring First Cat, LOZ 4000, and The Moon Queen. The duo will share their creative process and discuss their collaborations, which include multiple acclaimed picture books.

 

Tickets are free.

 

Learn more and get tickets here.

In Conversation: Fault Lines—The Atlantic World
Thursday, November 6, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Art Theater, Carnegie Museum of Art

 

Join art historian Mónica Domínguez Torres of the University of Delaware and Mame-Fatou Niang, director and founder of the Center for Black European Studies and the Atlantic at Carnegie Mellon University, for a conversation with Dr. Marie-Stéphanie Delamaire, Curator of European and American Art at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Together, they will discuss Fault Lines: Art, Imperialism, and the Atlantic World, examining the complex intersections of art, empire, and history reflected in the exhibition.

 

Free admission; museum entry not required.

 

Learn more here.

City of Pittsburgh Fall Yard Debris Collection
Saturday, November 8

 

Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Environmental Services will collect fall yard debris to be used for compost production. Residents are encouraged to set out yard debris — including branches, leaves, and grass — on the curb before 6 AM. Halloween pumpkins will also be accepted. Be sure to get your lawn work done before it’s too late!

 

Learn more here.  

Coats for Kids
Saturday, November 8, 10 AM – 2 PM | PGH Fire Fighters Local No. 1 Union Hall

 

Pittsburgh Fire Fighters will distribute free coats to children in need this winter. Children must be present to receive a coat.

 

Questions can be sent to coats@pittsburghfirefighters.org.?

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

152 Main Capitol Building

PO Box 202023

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875

District Office

2345 Murray Avenue

Suite 205

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

(412) 422-1774

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