Philadelphia Suburbs Experience Record Voter Turnout in 2025 Elections

Voters in Pennsylvania’s suburban counties demonstrated remarkable engagement during the 2025 elections, achieving the highest off-year voter turnout since 2011. Despite the absence of major races such as presidential or gubernatorial contests, residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties came out in significant numbers, signaling strong interest in local governance.

Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija noted the importance of local issues. “This election shows that people care about local power,” he stated. “They understand the importance of local leadership and how the positions that candidates were running for in this election really do matter to people’s lives.” Montgomery County reported a turnout of nearly 50%, more than seven percentage points higher than its previous record for an off-year election.

Bucks County mirrored this enthusiasm, with a voter turnout of 49.6%. This represented an increase of roughly seven percentage points compared to the last off-year election in 2023. In Chester County, turnout reached 47.73%, while Delaware County recorded 45.59%, both surpassing previous turnout highs for off-year elections.

The focal point of this year’s election included statewide retention votes for three state Supreme Court justices, yet the implications extended beyond judicial appointments. The surge in voter turnout was interpreted by some as a sign of the electorate’s response to local leadership, while others viewed it as a reflection of broader political sentiments, including ongoing national debates.

Delaware County GOP Chair Frank Agovino witnessed the increased voter participation firsthand. He remarked, “You just saw the traffic… folks working the polls were commenting that they hadn’t seen anything like this in quite some time.” Agovino highlighted that the Democratic Party’s control of Delaware County Council since 2019 has shifted the political landscape, resulting in significant victories for Democratic candidates in local offices.

While Agovino acknowledged the Republican Party’s efforts to address local concerns, he attributed much of the Democratic turnout to national issues beyond local governance. He stated, “I think a lot of it actually ginned up the Democrat base… There’s always the repudiation from a majority of Democrats of Donald Trump.”

Democratic campaign manager Salvatore Colleluori expressed optimism about the turnout. He noted that while the state Supreme Court race attracted attention, local Democratic candidates also successfully engaged voters with their vision for the future. “We flipped multiple municipalities and picked up seats in what used to be reliably Republican areas,” Colleluori said.

The Democratic Party’s recent achievements in Delaware County, such as establishing a county health department and deprivatizing the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, provided a strong foundation for their campaigns. “We ran an entirely positive campaign highlighting the achievements of what Delaware County has done since it became under Democratic rule,” Colleluori added.

Makhija emphasized that the voter turnout is indicative of the electorate’s desire for effective local leadership and contrasts with federal policies. He pointed out that, amid cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the federal government shutdown, Montgomery County allocated $500,000 to support residents in need. “They see that at the federal level, no one is looking out for their best interests,” Makhija remarked.

Bucks County, which was narrowly won by Donald Trump in the 2024 election, also reflected shifting political dynamics. Democrat Joe Khan unseated Republican incumbent Jennifer Schorn, describing the election results as a “beacon of hope.” He noted that voters expressed their discontent with extremism and chaos prevalent in recent years.

As attention turns to the upcoming 2026 elections, there is speculation about the implications of this year’s turnout. Colleluori suggested that if Democrats maintain their momentum, they could potentially secure additional seats in the state legislature and reelect Governor Josh Shapiro. “If we can pick up a few seats in the state house… you’re going to be looking at a position where you can actually see the full breadth of what Democrats can do when they’re allowed to govern,” he stated.

Agovino cautioned against overconfidence among Democrats, highlighting Pennsylvania’s unpredictable political landscape. “For Democrats, it’s fool’s gold if they think that what they saw yesterday means they know what’s going to happen next November,” he said, emphasizing the potential for surprises in future elections.

As the political climate evolves in Pennsylvania, the high voter turnout in 2025 serves as a pivotal moment for both parties, reflecting the electorate’s priorities and concerns at the local level. The outcome may provide insightful lessons for upcoming campaigns as candidates seek to engage voters on issues that resonate within their communities.