Normally, in a primary election, only registered Republicans or Democrats in Pennsylvania may vote. However, in the May 18 primary, there are two questions on the ballot.

The first is in regard to Constitutional amendments concerning disaster emergencies declared by the governor.

The other is a referendum question concerning loans to volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads.

Any registered voter, i.e., an Independent, may cast a ballot on these two questions.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

(All registered voters, all districts)

• Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration - and the powers of commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration - through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the governor for approval or disapproval?

• Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?

• Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended by adding a new section providing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of an individual’s race or ethnicity?

STATEWIDE REFERENDUM

Do you favor expanding the use of the indebtedness authorized under the referendum for loans to volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads under 35 PA. C. S. Section 7378.1 (related to referendum for additional indebtedness) to include loans to municipal fire departments or companies that provide services through paid personnel and emergency medical services companies for the purpose of establishing and modernizing facilities to house apparatus equipment, ambulances and rescue vehicles and for purchasing apparatus equipment, ambulances and rescue vehicles, protective and communications equipment and any other accessory equipment necessary for the proper performance of the duties of the fire companies and emergency medical services companies?