by KYW's vice president and general manager David Yadgaroff

The recent blizzard of new voter registrations and party changes for the Pennsylvania primary indicates that polling places will look more like the ballpark for a Phillies home opener.

That’s the way it should be. The more voices heard through the ballot, the better our system of representation works.

But it may also pose some unique challenges. New voters -- and there are an unprecedented number this year -- must be ready to show identification (see related news story) and know where their specific polling place is located.

Poll workers are going to need a lot of patience dealing with the expected crush of voters -- many arriving before or just after work and anxious to get to the job or home for dinner. Long lines will be the rule rather than the exception.

Freshmen as well as seasoned voters may be shocked to learn that there are candidates other than presidential contenders on both the Democratic and Republican ballots, for offices that meander from convention delegates to Congress. Know who they are beforehand!

And then there are those who changed party registration just to create some mischief for the opposition. Given the disagreements over who would be the most vulnerable Democrat in November, let’s see how that plays out.

Need to find the location of your polling place for the Pennsylvania primary on April 22nd? Click here:
https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx

To submit a comment or reply to this editorial, send an e-mail to yadgaroff@KYW.com.