Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you know that the 2025 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY is this coming Tuesday, May 20 and remind you to make your plan to vote!

If you need to check your voter registration, see where to drop off a mail ballot or see where you vote, you can visit here.

NOTE: If you plan to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot, the deadline to return your completed ballot is 8 p.m. on May 20 – which means it is most likely too late to return them by mail in time.

Luzerne County Ballot Drop Box Locations for the 2025 Municipal Primary:

• Hazleton Exchange Building - 100 W. Broad St. Hazleton, PA 18201
  • Open weekdays 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. / This drop box location will NOT be available after 4 p.m. on Monday, May 19.
• Penn Place - 20 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (Main Lobby and Election Bureau)
  • Open weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (front doors unlock at 8 a.m.) / This drop box location will be open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.

Whichever way you choose to return your completed ballot; the County must receive your voted ballot by 8 p.m. on election day for it to be counted. Click here for more information on voting in Luzerne County.

Please be advised: If you cast your vote by mail-in ballot, you cannot show up at a polling place to cast your vote. If you do not submit your mail-in ballot in the mail in time for it to be received in the Elections Bureau by Election Day, then you may either bring it to the Election Bureau office or cast a provisional ballot at your polling place.  Polling places cannot receive mail-in ballot forms.

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA or visit vote.pa.gov.

I’m looking forward to seeing local seniors and their families at my FREE Senior Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Thursday, May 22 at the Wyoming Valley Mall, located at 200 Wyoming Valley Mall!

This event will provide local seniors with important resources, information, and services that are specifically designed to help them improve their quality of life.

The senior fair will feature a wide range of exhibitors and vendors, including representatives from state and local agencies, health care providers, insurance companies, senior living communities, and more. Seniors and their families will have the opportunity to speak directly with service providers to get answers to their questions and learn about available programs.

Highlights of the Senior Fair include:

• Information on health care services and insurance options.
• Senior discount programs.
• Resources for caregiving, housing, and transportation.
• Educational materials on state and federal assistance programs.
• Free health screenings and wellness tips.

Seniors, their families, and caregivers are all welcome to attend and take advantage of the many services available at no charge.

This Senior Fair is an important opportunity for seniors in our community to learn about the resources that can help them live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I'm proud to host this event and to connect our seniors with the services they need and deserve. I encourage everyone to attend and take advantage of this one-stop shop for vital information!

Exciting update! The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR) deadline has been extended until Dec. 31, 2025. This extra time enables eligible Pennsylvanians to claim rebates for property taxes or rent paid in 2024.

In a recent expansion, PTRR has already issued over 522,000 rebates that amount to more than $319 million across the commonwealth.

What’s in it for you:

• Rebates of up to $1,000.
• Increased income limits that are updated every year.

Who qualifies:

• Residents 65 and older.
• Widows and widowers beginning at 50.
• Individuals with disabilities 18 and older.

The application process has been simplified: submit your application for free online through myPATH (available in both English and Spanish) and receive immediate confirmation. Local support is offered at public offices and community centers, and you can easily follow up on your application status using the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool.

Since the program’s launch in 1971, PTRR has delivered over $8.6 billion in relief. Eligible residents should seize this extended deadline to reap the benefits.

Keep an eye on your mailbox -- 40,000 Pennsylvanians are receiving letters as part of the PA Money Match program, which returns unclaimed property worth $500 or less automatically. Confirm your address, and you could receive a check in about 45 days!

Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property or contact my office for help searching for other unclaimed funds of yours PA Treasury may be holding in safekeeping --  the average claim is worth over $1,000.

As part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Click It or Ticket" campaign, the PA State Police is offering free car seat checks throughout our Commonwealth. During these events, certified technicians will ensure that your child's car seat is installed correctly, fits properly, and is up to date on any recalls.

The safety of our children is a matter of utmost importance, and I encourage every parent and caregiver to take advantage of these free services.

Here are the events scheduled in Luzerne County:

• May 12 from 3-6 p.m. at the Hazle Township Fire Co., 1113 N. Church St., Hazle Township, PA 18202
• May 14 from 3-6 p.m. at the Hazle Township Fire Co., 1113 N. Church St., Hazle Township, PA 18202    
• May 14 from 3-7 p.m. at the Wright Township Municipal Building, 321 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, PA 18707    

Click here for a complete list of PA locations and contact information for a free car seat safety check.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District