Independent Voters of the 139th PA House District: On October 21, Republican district representative Jeff Olsommer voted Nay on a bill that will give you the right to vote in future primaries. 

Under a reformed Election Law, you would be allowed to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. This would put to an end to an outdated election system that excludes you from selecting the candidates in the general election and then forces you to choose between the Republican or Democrat. 

I am running against Mr. Olsommer for the 139th District seat, and I am pledged to support open primaries. 

Because the legislative session is ending without a vote on the bill in the Senate, open primaries bills will have to be reintroduced in 2025. Unfortunately, the Republican Party leadership is staunchly against open primaries. (I commend the 10 Republicans who bucked the party leadership and joined all Democrats, except one, to pass the bill in bipartisan fashion, 112 to 90.) 

If the Republican Party regains control of the House, its leadership will prevent the bill from coming to a vote. Is gaining your right to vote in primaries important to you? Electing me will help the Democrats to maintain their slim majority, so open primaries can be fully enacted in 2025.

Robin Skibber
Candidate, 139th PA House District
Blooming Grove Township, PA