Conversations with Candidates: Nina Ahmad

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 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 – assuming we're still headed to the polls on April 28 (if that changes, we'll let you know) – 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.

Nina Ahmad is a scientist by trade and an advocate by nature. She was the Deputy Mayor for Public Engagement under Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and she served as the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization for Women, among numerous other accomplishments. Now Ahmad is one of six candidates running to be the Democratic Party's nominee to replace outgoing Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, who is running for Congress this year in Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district. Here's her story:

For more information on Nina Ahmad's campaign, find her online at NinaForPA.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.