Special Elections, Texting the Governor & Why It’s So Hard To Vote in PA

It’s the Friday news roundup! Pittsburgh had on impact on the whole dang state when we elected a new representative this week; Pennsylvanians will be automatically registered to vote at the DMV; our five most recent former governors would love to open our primary elections; the “revolving door” for lawmakers to become lobbyists is an increasing problem in Harrisburg; and Gov. Josh Shapiro opened a text line for constituents — if you have an iPhone. We’re with Stephen Caruso of SpotlightPA and Kim Lyons, the new executive editor of the Pennsylvania Capitol-Star.  We love to cite our sources: Stephen did a great summation of the 21st House District race Kim shared the new motor voter law for The Pennsylvania Capitol-Star Stephen points out for SpotlightPA that PennDOT isn’t exactly set up to absorb the change SpotlightPA’s Kate Huangpu reported on PA’s most recent five governors' shared letter in support of open primaries You can text Gov. Josh Shapiro at 717-788-8990 through the app Community Current state law bars elected officials and employees from lobbying their previous workplaces for a year, and Stephen reports there’s a bipartisan bill to extend the ban to two years Want some more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.