Conversations with Candidates: Julie Slomski

Campaigning is hard. Campaigning during a global pandemic is something else. All of the doors that volunteers and supporters promised to knock for candidates are now closed for the foreseeable future. The strategy that people spent months – and in some cases years – developing is now moot. 

This year Pennsylvanians will not only vote for their choice for President of the United States, but they'll also cast ballots for the offices of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Treasurer, the Pennsylvania Auditor General, and here in Erie County, they'll vote for a congressional representative, a State Senator and State Representatives as well. 

As campaigns try to figure out what their digital strategies are going to be, we wanted to help inform voters about the candidates who will be on the ballot this spring and, in some cases, to help you learn more about the offices they seek.

Pennsylvania's primary election has been postponed until June 2, 2020. But between now and then, Pennsylvanians have the option to vote by mail for the first time. The process is easy and it's an option we hope you'll consider. First, apply for a mail-in ballot at VotesPA.com. Once you've submitted the application, you'll receive a paper ballot in the mail. Fill it out and drop it back in the mail. You can vote early and safely. The Erie County Board of Elections has even agreed to pay for the postage. 

By participating in the 2020 elections with a mail-in ballot you'll ease congestion at the polls, and you'll be doing your part to help poll workers stay healthy too. It's too easy not to do the right thing. 

So for as long as we're confined to our homes and our screens, we'll try our best to bring our conversations with candidates to you.

Julie Slomski is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge the incumbent, Dan Laughlin, for the 49th district state senate seat, which encompasses almost all of Erie County. Prior to her candidacy, Slomski spent nearly five years as the northwest regional director for the administration of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. She talked about that experience and others, as well as her agenda for the 49th district, during our conversation. 

Learn more about the Slomski campaign at JulieSlomski.com.

Jim Wertz is a contributing editor and chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party. He can be reached at jWertz@ErieReader.com and you can follow him on Twitter @jim_wertz.