Voter turnout in 2018 was up in every county across the state compared to the last midterm election, increasing from 43 percent in 2014 to 58 percent last year, according to a Department of State analysis by Keystone Crossroads data.

The numbers in Lehigh and Northampton counties were just under that average.

In Lehigh County, 126,844 ballots were cast. Registered voters totaled 232,880. Voter turnout: 54.47 percent

Northampton County logged 116,860 ballots and 209,313 registered voters. Voter turnout: 55.83 percent

This upward movement is a step in the right direction, as is an increase in voter registration. The state saw a 4.59-percent jump from 2014 to 2018 in the number of people registered to vote.

Still, there is room for improvement. Pennsylvania ranked 25th in the country in voter turnout.

Counties, candidates and campaign volunteers are hoping to move that number closer to the top, and it’s crunch time as we near the Nov. 5 election. Candidates’ forums are being held. Signs shouting candidates’ names, television commercials and even telephone messages are reminding us to get out and vote.

In next week’s edition of The Press weekly newspapers, you will find election previews of the races in the region to help you in making your choice of candidates. We asked them questions on topics we believe are important to you, such as advocating for senior citizens and property tax reform.

We also asked them to tell us what they believe you, the voters, are looking for in a candidate. Their responses could be a key indicator if they truly know their municipality and its people.

We don’t endorse candidates or political parties. Our coverage of the candidates is not so much about on which side of the aisle you’d sit, but rather on which candidates’ viewpoints best align with yours.

After all, this election should be about how they will represent you, not about sticking to their own party lines. They are your collective voice.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press