Pittsburghers vote in mayoral primaries today

By Liz Navratil

Pittsburgh residents have until 8 p.m. to choose, among other officials, a Democratic candidate for mayor.

“The Democrats’ registration advantage and the lack of a meaningful Republican organization in Pittsburgh mean that the winner of tomorrow’s Democratic primary will become Pittsburgh’s next mayor,” said local politics blogger and Pitt law professor Michael Madison.

Today’s ballots ask city residents to choose candidates for state and county court judges, City Council members and school board members, but the race to name a Democratic mayoral candidate is getting the most attention.

The city hasn’t had a Republican mayor for 75 years.

There is no Republican candidate for mayor, but at least one Independent candidate will challenge the Democrats in the Nov. 3 general election.

Current Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, City Councilman Patrick Dowd and former police sergeant Carmen Robinson are the Democratic candidates.

To find your local polling place, visit http://apps.county.allegheny.pa.us/VoteDistricts/ .

Visit Pittnews.com throughout the evening to watch the results come in.