Split-ticket voting

Alabama holds its general election on Nov. 3, and the Secretary of State's office has posted sample ballots by county to help voters prepare in advance. Officials recommend downloading and filling out a sample ballot before heading to the polls, noting the official ballot may vary depending on a voter's congressional district.

Voters can confirm their district and polling location through the state's "VoterView" tool by entering their name and birthdate. The election also highlights the choice between straight-party voting, which selects all candidates from one party, and split-ticket voting, which allows selections office by office; voters can combine both approaches, and leaving items blank does not invalidate a ballot. Constitutional amendments will also appear on ballots and require separate attention. The guidance comes as part of broader election-preparation coverage ahead of Alabama's statewide vote.

Control of Pennsylvania's state Senate could hinge on three Philadelphia suburban districts, as Democrats aim to flip the chamber for the first time in 33 years. Republicans currently hold 27 of 50 seats; Democrats need to flip at least two and retain the governor's office to take the majority via the lieutenant governor's tie-breaking vote.

Democratic challengers Eileen Hartnett Albillar (6th District, Bucks County), Mark Pinsley (16th District, Bucks/Lehigh), and Chris Thomas (24th District, Montgomery/Berks) are challenging GOP incumbents Frank Farry, Jarrett Coleman, and Tracy Pennycuick, respectively. All three districts favor Republicans in voter registration, though Gov. Josh Shapiro has endorsed the Democratic candidates and his own reelection bid is on the same ballot.

Both parties are centering campaigns on affordability, with Democrats tying races to dissatisfaction with President Trump's handling of the economy and gas prices, while Republicans emphasize fiscal restraint and bipartisan legislative wins. A Democratic trifecta would open the door to priorities like a minimum wage increase and transportation funding previously blocked by the GOP-controlled Senate.