BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Four weeks ahead of Pennsylvania's voter registration deadline, Democrats maintain their numerical advantage in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley — at least, on paper.
But state records indicate that the gap between the parties has narrowed statewide and in the region. Since the 2023 election, the Republican Party has outgained the Democratic Party.
According to data released Monday, 3.9 million Pennsylvanians are registered Democrats compared to 3.5 million Republicans.
The data shows that Republicans have seen their ranks swell by 141,648 voters in the last 10 months across the Keystone State, compared to a 33,478 increase for Democrats.
Republicans have seen their ranks swell by 141,648 voters in the last 10 months in Pennsylvania, compared to a 33,478 increase for Democrats.
Republicans now account for about 40.2% of all of Pennsylvania's registered voters while Democrats make up 44%.
That equates to a 4.1% surge in members for Republicans compared to a 0.8% increase for Democrats.
But the biggest gains have come from voters disassociating with the two major parties. There are currently 1.4 million registered voters who belong to a third party or are not affiliated with any party, according to state records. That's an 8.3% increase from last year.
Similar local trends
Lehigh County's voter registration figures trend to the left of the rest of the state. Its 113,149 Democrats account for 44.9% of local registered voters. The 88,659 Republicans make up 35.2% of voters.
That's a 1.2% increase in the number of local Democrats and a 5.5% increase in the number of Lehigh County Republicans.
The gap is narrower in Northampton County. The 97,272 Democrats make up 42.6% of registered voters while the 84,782 Republicans constitute 37.1%.
That adds up to a 1.5% year-over-year increase for Northampton County Democrats and a 5.4% uptick for Northampton County Republicans.
Both counties have sizable populations of independent voters. In Lehigh County, the 49,982 voters not affiliated with the major parties account for almost 19.6% of all voters. Their ranks grew by 8.2% since last year.
By comparison, Northampton County's 46,027 independent voters make up nearly 20.2% of all registered voters. Their numbers have increased by 7.9% since Election Day 2023.
It remains to be seen how any of the voter registration trends will affect this year's political campaigns. Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley were already viewed as political battlegrounds.
Pennsylvania residents who are not yet registered to vote have until Oct. 21 to file their applications. Residents can register by filling out a form at their county elections office or online at vote.pa.gov.
Northampton County Elections Office
Northampton County Courthouse
Lower Level
669 Washington St.
Easton, PA
Lehigh County Elections Office
Lehigh County Government Center
Basement
17 S. Seventh St.
Allentown, PA
