Election Day is this Tuesday, May 19. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you already applied for a mail ballot, you can track its status online using the state ballot tracker.

Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you prefer to drop off your ballot, use the drop box outside the Erie County Courthouse at 140 W. 6th Street. More information on returning your mail ballot is available here.

?? Check your voter registration status: vote.pa.gov/Status

? Find your polling place: vote.pa.gov/Polls

We wanted to share some news from our office: Jacob, our Constituent Service Advisor, is moving on to a management position in the private sector. We’re excited for him—he’s been a reliable, friendly presence for people across Erie County, and his help has made a real difference.

Thank you, Jacob, for everything you've done for our neighbors and for being such a valued member of the team. Please join me in congratulating him on this next step in his career.

We enjoyed the music, warm conversations, and strong community spirit at the Greene Township spring gathering.

Thank you to everyone who invited us, and to the volunteers who worked so hard to organize such a welcoming event.

The Older Artists of PA Showcase 2026 is now open for entries! If you are age 60 or older and live in Pennsylvania, we invite you to submit your artwork for this juried exhibition. This year’s Showcase will proudly highlight the creative contributions of older adults living with dementia, and we especially encourage submissions from artists in that community.

Artists may enter in one of three categories:

• Professional
• Non-professional
• Artist Over Age 60 Living with Dementia

To learn more and submit your entry, click here.

The Pennsylvania Treasury’s 5th annual 529 Day promotion runs through May 31. PA families who contribute $10 or more to a PA 529 account during the promotion period could win one of six regional $5,529 awards.

The PA 529 plan helps families save for college, technical training, apprenticeships, credentials, and K–12 expenses. Contributions to a PA 529 account will not affect eligibility for state financial aid. 

For details on how to contribute and enter the promotion, please visit the Pennsylvania Treasury’s PA 529 page.

It was a privilege to visit the U.S. History class at Erie County Community College earlier this week. I appreciated the thoughtful questions and the opportunity to discuss the roles I serve as one of Erie County’s state representatives.

Our conversation about how democracy functions, especially at the local and state levels in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was engaging and informative.

In recognition of National Police Week, I want to express my deep appreciation for the men and women in uniform who protect our neighborhoods and keep our families safe. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifice are essential to the well-being of our community.

Thank you for your daily commitment to public safety and for the partnerships you build with residents across Erie County.

Are you ready to drive your career forward? PennDOT is hiring across Pennsylvania, and this is a great chance to find meaningful work in public service. Transportation is the backbone of our economy and communities — PennDOT maintains roughly 40,000 miles of highway and about 25,400 bridges, and we rely on a skilled, dedicated team to keep them safe and functioning.

Visit employment.pa.gov/penndot to view current operator and non-operator openings across the state and learn about competitive wages, benefits, and the many opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re interested in hands-on field work or office-based roles, there’s a place for you at PennDOT.

Bob Merski

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358