Make your plan to vote; Over a million in new grant funding; Turn your clocks back; Recognizing our student-athletes

Make your plan to vote; Over a million in new grant funding; Turn your clocks back; Recognizing our student-athletes – and more!

Rep. Arvind Venkat October 30, 2026 | 9:27 AM

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Election Day Updates

This coming Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day, and it is important that every voter can make their voice heard at the ballot box. Polls will be open from 7 AM – 8 PM, and you can find your polling place here.

In addition, please note that my office will be closed on Election Day. We will resume normal hours on November 4.

Finally, if you already requested a mail-in ballot, you can return it this weekend at the North Park Ice Rink and several other sites throughout the county. Click here to find the full list of dates/times and locations.

Turn Back Your Clocks

Don’t forget that Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, November 1 at 2 AM. Before you go to bed on October 31, make sure to put your clocks back by one hour.

Welcoming New Healthcare Funding – and other District Updates

I was happy to join a bipartisan group of elected officials to celebrate the awarding of an LSA grant of more than $1 million to the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and Allegheny Health Network Wexford for a new pre-hospital facility. As a physician-legislator, I look forward to continuing to support our first responders in their critical work for our community.

It’s always wonderful to watch the Emsworth Halloween Parade, take part in presenting awards for the best costumes, and see a great performance by the Avonworth Marching Band.

It was really fun to speak with Cub Scout Pack 321 about America’s 250th. We talked about our shared American values, key points of the Declaration, and how we continue to work to protect everyone's rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thanks to the pack leaders for the invitation, and for leading such an energetic group of future leaders!

I had the pleasure of presenting a citation to North Allegheny School District student Saieesh Kovelakuntla of the Borough of Franklin Park for winning 2nd place in Division 2 of the statewide Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) school bus safety poster contest. Congratulations to Saieesh and his parents on this impressive achievement.

While I was in Harrisburg, my staff attended the ribbon cutting for the Wolfe General Store on Ingomar Rd. at the entrance to North Park. Congratulations to Jason Wolfe on the exciting new development in McCandless!

Recognizing our Outstanding Student Athletes

The Girls’ Volleyball teams from North Allegheny and Avonworth won their section championships, in Class 6A Section I and Class 3A Section II respectively.

The Boys’ Soccer team from Avonworth won their section championship, with six team members being named all section players.

The girls’ soccer teams from North Allegheny and Avonworth also won their WPIAL section championships in Class 4A Section III and Class 2A Section III respectively.

Congratulations to all on these outstanding accomplishments!

Survey for Residents of Ben Avon and Ben Avon Heights

The Boroughs of Avalon, Bellevue, Ben Avon, and Ben Avon Heights are working together on “Together We Rise”, an update to their Comprehensive Plan. This plan helps residents, businesses, local leaders, and community organizations work together to create a shared vision for how our community will grow, preserve, protect, and serve our combined communities over the next 10 years and beyond.

You can learn more about this plan here, and take the survey here.

Virtual Health Career Exploration

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania is bringing high school students a two-day Virtual Health Career Exploration event that opens the door to some of the most in-demand and impactful careers in healthcare, including nursing, EMTs, medical assistants, and more.

The event will take place at 9 AM on November 12 and November 19. You can learn more and sign up your student or class here.

Opportunity for Student Artists

Allegheny County students have a chance to design the county’s next “I Voted” sticker.

The Allegheny County Elections Division is accepting submissions for its second annual “I Voted” sticker contest. The winning design will be featured on stickers available to voters during the 2027 primary and general elections.

The contest is open to Allegheny County students in grades 9–12. Designs must:

Include the phrase “I Voted”
Fit a 2-inch circular design
Be nonpartisan
Avoid copyrighted images and trademarks
Include parent or guardian consent for students under 18

Entries must be submitted electronically by December 31. The top 10 designs will be selected for public voting in January.

Students interested in participating can find the full contest rules and submission information here.

PennDOT Innovation Challenge for Students

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Innovations Challenge invites grades 9-12 learners to show their creativity and problem-solving skills to create solutions that improve safety in work zones – protecting workers and drivers.

Finalists will present their ideas to PennDOT leaders, with a cash prize awarded to the statewide winner.

All submissions are due by January 29. You can learn more about the competition here.

Finally, please remember that my talented staff can help you with a variety of state-related matters – from filing an application for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to obtaining a disability placard or senior bus pass, just to name a few. Contact us or stop by to see how we can help!

You can read my e-newsletter in a way that’s most convenient for you by visiting my legislative website here and clicking on the accessibility icon in the lower right corner.