Why Independent Voters Don't Get a Say in Pittsburgh's Mayoral Primary
The mayoral primary is right around the corner, but just because you're registered to vote doesn't mean you'll get to choose a candidate. Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states with a closed primary system, which means independents and third-party voters get left out of the process. Spotlight PA's Kate Huangpu shares a few theories about why we're seeing such a sharp rise in independent voters and whether the state legislature might consider opening up our primaries.
Want to learn more? Tune into SpotlightPA's webinar about our closed primary system on May 6.
Check your voter registration status and party affiliation on Allegheny County's voter registration page or through PA Voter Services.
Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Bone Rooms, Power Outages & Primanti’s ‘Stolen’ Art
Pittsburgh International Airport (briefly) lost power during the big storm last week – something that wasn't supposed to happen because o...

Dirty Pasta, Swedish Candy & Dinner Under a Volcano?
Still mourning Stuntpig's closure in Squirrel Hill? Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo have recommendations for new s...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Do you know how many parks Pittsburgh has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City...

Morgan Wallen Drama, Vape Shop Regulations & YMCA's Log Cabin
You know you've messed up when both the National Weather Service and Mayor Corey O'Connor have to call you out for your lies! The City Ca...

The Best Chicken Dishes in Pittsburgh
Ordering chicken when you're eating out doesn't feel like the sexiest option, but City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Ha...

8 Pittsburgh Home Tours You Have To Take this Summer
If you love scrolling through Pittsburgh's wildest Zillow listings, don't miss your chance to actually go inside some of those fancy home...

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots
Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant l...

Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?!
Is Pittsburgh's beer scene in trouble? Earlier this year, Fat Head's closed down, and now both Penn Brewery and the Abbey on Butler have...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert cit...

Picklesburgh Abominations, Schenley Park Drama & World Cup Watch Parties
It's been a big week for Pittsburgh public hearings! People turned out to share their passionate takes on the city's revised affordable h...

