PA voter guide: What to know about national, state races, issues in Erie County

(This story was updated to reflect the most current information.)

Voters in Erie County will hit the polls Nov. 5 to cast their vote in a variety of races ranging from the state House of Representatives to the next president.

Poll hours across the state are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There is no-excuse mail-in voting allowed in the state, but the last day to apply for a mail ballot or vote early in person was Oct. 29. The last day to register to vote was Oct. 21.

Follow GoErie.com throughout election day for local and state news and updates. Return once the polls close at 8 p.m. for more frequent reports throughout the night.

What you need to know for the general election

• Erie County Board of Elections list of voters who are able to correct their ballot return envelopes by Election Day: eriecountypa.gov/departments/elections-voting/

• Looking for your polling place? Polling place locations are found here.

• Confirm your voting rights in Pennsylvania at votespa.com/Your-Rights/Pages/Voting-Rights-and-the-law.aspx.

• Not all voter intimidation is dramatic or violent. Here's how you can spot it when you go to vote, and what you can do about it.

• Emergency absentee ballots help voters with last-minute issues. How to get one.

• Wondering what you can wear to the polls?

• Brush up on how to use Erie County's voting machines: Learn how to use Erie County's machines

• Poll watchers are part of every Erie County election. Find out why they do it.

• Learn how to fill out your mail-in ballot properly here.

• Pa. court issues another ruling on mail-in ballot dates. What does it mean for Nov. 5?

• What could trigger costly, time-consuming election recounts in Pa.? Three signatures and $50

• This is how state Secretary Al Schmidt is working to ensure free, fair, safe and secure elections.

• Pennsylvania is a swing state, and Erie may be its most critical county in this presidential election.

Pennsylvania Voter Guide: The who, what, where & when of the 2024 election

What's happening with mail ballots in Erie County?

A judge on Nov. 1 ordered a series of remedies to ensure thousands of Erie County voters are not disenfranchised by a string of mail ballot snafus that have left election officials and voters scrambling for answers just days before the election.

• Judge orders 11th-hour remedies for Erie County voters affected by delayed mail ballots

• Election group confident in Erie County officials after vendor's ballot mailing mistake

• Some Erie County voters received multiple ballots. How election officials are handling it

What are the key races?

• A look at who's on the ballot in your municipality in Erie County.

• Find out more about state races with this Pennsylvanian's preview of the 2024 primary ballot.

• What to know about the 49th District state Senate race: Jim Wertz and Dan Laughlin face off.

• Ryan Bizzarro and Micah Goring will compete for the 3rd District state House seat.

• In the race for State Representative, incumbent Bob Merski faces challenger Matt Strupczewski.

• Joe Cancilla and Jake Banta are both vying for Pa.'s 4th state house seat.

• Mike Walker and Brad Roae will compete for Pa.'s 6th state house seat.

Presidential race puts Erie in national spotlight

The presidential race has placed Erie in the national spotlight, and Pennsylvania is one of five swing states that will decide the outcome of this hotly contested race.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Voter guide for national, state races, issues in Erie County PA