Tuesday, Nov. 6, was Election Day in the United States. In total, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats of the Senate were in contest. Also, 39 gubernatorial positions are going to be voted on as well. In Pennsylvania, one Senate seat is in contention as well as the positions for governor, lieutenant governor, 25 of the 50 state senate seats, and all 203 state house seats. At the beginning of the day, there was great potential to shake the entire political landscape. These positions would all be determined by the results of the citizenry’s voting. 
The Democratic sitting Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf was challenged by Scott Wagner, a Republican and former state senator. Also, Ken Krawchuk and Paul Glover presented the Libertarian and Green Parties, respectively. Tom Wolf ended up winning the election, receiving 57.7% of the vote. 
For U.S. Senate, Republican Lou Barletta challenged the Democratic incumbent Bob Casey Jr. Casey held his position, receiving 55.6% of the vote. 
Erie County is a part of the 16th District of Pennsylvania. The 16th Congressional District election is being held, too. The democratic candidate for this position is Ron DiNicolia. The republican candidate is incumbent Mike Kelly. In addition, Ebert Beeman is running to represent the libertarian party. Mike Kelly edged out a victory here, receiving 51.5% of the vote. In the end, the Democratic Party gained control of the House, while the Republicans held control of the Senate.
The outcomes of these elections can represent the will of the people. Voting is an essential part of government, allowing individuals to have their interests represents. Student Council President Matt Whaley is a registered voter in Pennsylvania. Being 18 years old, he wanted to exercise his own right to participate in government. “Being an active participant in our civil discourse is an honor. We all have an influence in the path this country is steered,” he said. “I believe it is essential for individual citizens to get out and vote whenever possible. First, people have sacrificed so much to protect our civil liberties and rights. Second, voting allows the United States to continue being the great country it has been.”