WATCH: ‘How Harrisburg Works’ explains Pennsylvania special elections

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters.

Allegheny County’s three Feb. 7 special elections cemented Pennsylvania’s Democrats’ one-vote majority in the state House, which had been deadlocked since the start of the latest session.

Special elections occur when someone in public office can no longer serve, which can be due to a death, resignation, or removal from office. They ensure voters remain represented despite a vacancy. However, voter turnout tends to plummet for special elections, a trend that has caused some lawmakers to question how they are scheduled and organized.

For our first “How Harrisburg Works” event, Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso spoke about the issue with Democratic state Rep. Chris Rabb, who proposed a bill to add new requirements to the special elections nomination process. Watch the conversation below.

“How Harrisburg Works” is Spotlight PA’s ongoing series on the Capitol’s inner workings, and this event is the first in a quarterly series to explain how the legislature works (or doesn’t) and how you can get involved.

» Spotlight PA’s events operate on a “pay-what-you-can” honor system. If you value this public-service event, pay it forward and contribute any amount to Spotlight PA now so we can keep our programming free for everyone: spotlightpa.org/donate.