The Pennsylvania primary election got off to a slow start in various polling locations on Tuesday morning. One such location was St. Thomas Cyro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Bustleton, where only seven individuals had cast their votes by 8 a.m. Comparatively, the number of parishioners attending morning Mass far outweighed the number of voters.

Meanwhile, Neshaminy High School in Langhorne saw a gradual influx of voters throughout the morning. It appeared that the primary was attracting the dedicated group of individuals who consistently show up to the polls. Judy McGullam, a 77-year-old resident of Langhorne, expressed the significance of voting, stating, "If you want to speak up, you have to vote." Joined by her husband, Dennis McGullum, 81, both identified as "strong Democrats."

At Summit Presbyterian Church in Mount Airy, a young voter named Amelia Baird exercised her newly acquired right to vote. Turning 18 in December, Baird felt well-prepared for this moment as her AP government class at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy had adequately educated her on the voting process. Proudly identifying as a newly registered Democrat, she expressed her readiness and enthusiasm to cast her first-ever vote.

As Philadelphia residents head to the polls, they will find a single question on their ballots. This question pertains to the Philadelphia 2024 ballot, seeking voter input regarding certain aspects of the city's future plans.

Notably, mail and absentee ballots were approved for approximately 10% of Pennsylvania's registered voters by Monday, according to election officials at the State Department. By that time, around 50% of the approved mail-in ballots had been returned and submitted to the state.

While the winners of the presidential primary in Pennsylvania may already seem like a foregone conclusion, there are still several other factors to monitor. Turnout across the state, the turnout of voters in different geographic regions compared to previous years, and the possibility of voters abstaining from the presidential election altogether can offer valuable insights for both parties as they navigate this crucial swing state leading up to November.

The slow start at the polls may not be indicative of overall voter participation for the day, as Pennsylvanians continue to exercise their democratic right and shape the political landscape for the upcoming elections.