PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pennsylvania Sen. Jay Costa, the Democratic Senate Leader from Forest Hills, is warning that Pennsyvlania’s May primary could be delayed until June.

It all comes down to redistricting.

Every 10 years, the state counts the people in a Census. Then, states are required to redraw their legislative and congressional districts to reflect population changes and make them equal: One person, one vote.

Nine weeks before candidates can file to run for these offices, Pennsylvania still has no districts.

Pennsylvania is supposed to have its 17 congressional districts, 50 Senate districts and 203 House districts in place and approved by the courts by Feb. 15. That’s when candidates can first file their nominating petitions, 13 weeks before the May 17 primary.

Costa said that process is a month behind.

“One of two things has to happen,” Costa told KDKA-TV “Either we move the election to maybe mid-June or the second thing we could do is reduce that 13-week period.”

Costa is one of five legislative leaders on the Legislative Redistricting Commission with Sen. Kim Ward, a Hempfield Republican and the Republican Senate Leader; two state House leaders; and court-appointed chair Mark Nordenberg.

While the legislature and governor draw up the congressional districts, this Commission is charged with drawing the 253 legislative districts.

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2021/12/10/with-redistricting-process-behind-schedule-pennsylvania-primary-election-could-be-delayed/