The midterm elections are approaching, and with a wide variety of candidates on the ballot, it’s important to know who is on the ballot and what they stand for so one can cast an efficient vote. While the election for the Senate between the Democratic candidate, John Fetterman, and Republican candidate, Dr. Oz has taken over most of the media headlines for the Pennsylvania elections, there are also local elections of great importance.

Within the current Pennsylvania State Senate races, Pennsylvania’s 168th district remains up for grabs, as Democratic candidate Lisa Borowski is running against the Republican incumbent Christopher Quinn. Representative Quinn has been serving Pennsylvania’s 168th districts for six years, which consists of townships in Delaware County such as Garnet Valley, Marple Newton, Rose Tree Media and West Chester, which are all relatively close to Villanova’s campus. 

Quinn acts on a variety of issues including standing up for taxpayers, affordable and quality healthcare, keeping communities safe, investing in our children’s future, preserving the environment and fighting for safe and secure pipelines. Over the years, Quinn has helped shape many solutions affecting the Delaware community and advocated for political action in terms of these issue areas.

Regarding healthcare, Quinn recognizes the importance of accessible healthcare and funding for critical health services such as mammograms, cervical and breast cancer screenings, prenatal and infant care and rape crisis care. In terms of education and children’s future Quinn delivered more than $800 million more in K-12 education, $120 million for Safe Schools and $90 million for Special Education. Throughout his time representing the district, Quinn also stood up for taxpayers and small businesses by opposing the mass tax and spending budgets that would have increased taxes by $1 billion. Quinn vows to continue advocating against massive tax increases that will have a negative impact on families, seniors and small businesses. 

Borowski got involved in politics within her son’s School Board and later became the Vice President of the Board. Within the Radnor Public Schools, Lisa worked to find common sense solutions to complex challenges and increase community relations. She later ran for Commissioner and led efforts to secure critical investments for the public library, increase police funding, pave township roads, improve stormwater management and pace four balanced budgets. Within her campaign for Congress, she focuses on a large variety of issues including public education, common sense gun reform, workers’ rights, infrastructure, the right to choose, access to the ballot box, public safety, pipeline safety and protecting the environment. 

With the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, the right to choose has been a controversial topic within politics and people’s decisions on the ballot. Borowski prides herself in being a proud pro-choice candidate who vows to stand up for women’s rights in making their own healthcare decisions. She believes that no matter the individual’s opinion on abortion, the choice should remain between a person and their doctor, not within a politician’s hands. 

With this said, students may wonder how this is relevant to them or ask questions regarding if their vote counts. Historically, Pennsylvania jumps back between being a red state or a blue state, and winners are not usually pre-identifiable, whereas states such as Massachusetts or Alabama are likely to have a predetermined outcome. Some students may question where they should vote, feeling that their vote may bear more weight in a state of political uncertainty rather than in their hometown. Additionally, some may question the role of local politics to college students: why should we vote? 

Villanova student Emma Conlin reflects on voter registration and her decision to switch her voter registration from New York to Pennsylvania.

 “As a New York State resident, New York is historically blue, but with PA being a swing state, my vote in this election means a lot more than it would at home,” Conlin said. “I decided to switch my voter registration to Pennsylvania to further exercise my privilege in voting. I also believe it’s extremely important to get to know local officials and potential candidates running so I can make my voice heard not only in my home state but where I go to college.”

Additionally, Conlin commented on different issues of the candidates and the way their election decisions may affect local politics and students’ rights. 

“As a future healthcare provider and someone who cares deeply about women’s rights, I believe the right to choose and preserve access to abortions is one of the most important for students and citizens to become educated about keep in mind while voting,” Conlin said. 

For more information on voting rights, transportation, voting locations and voter registration in Pennsylvania, visit the #LetsVoteNova page on the University website.