Tuesday's General Election brings a host of decisions to be made by local voters.  From a statewide ballot question and a full slate of candidates for state judicial positions, to local contested battles, voters will have plenty of decisions to make.

            The ballot question "Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to permit the General Assembly to enact legislation authorizing local taxing authorities to exclude from taxation up to 100 percent of the assessed value of each homestead property within a local taxing jurisdiction, rather than limit the exclusion to one-half of the median assessed value of all homestead property, which is the existing law?" will not necessarily affect your property taxes.

            A "Plain English" statement on the ballot question, from the Office of the Attorney General, appears on page 34 of this week's edition to help voters understand it.

Montgomery County

            In the race for a seat on the Upper Perkiomen School Board, only newcomer Melanie Cunningham will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.  Incumbents Will Pike and Jon Warren, along with Judy Maginnis are running on the Democratic ticket. Incumbent Kerry Drake, along with Stephen Cunningham and James Glackin are running on the Republican side.  Incumbent John Gehman has been running an active campaign as a write-in candidate.

            Voters will elect four of the above candidates to sit on the board.

            In the contest for Magisterial District Judge 38-2-02, Maureen Coggins will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. She will face a challenge from incumbent Magistrate Cathy Hummel Fried who has been running an active write-in campaign.

            Several contested municipal races will also provide voters choices.

            In East Greenville, eight candidates are vying for four seats on borough council.  Incumbent Ryan Pugh along with Ann Grubb, Doug Criddle, and Diane Criddle are running on the Democratic ticket.  They will face Republicans Lon Brinckman II, James Raftery, Angie Fegely and Joseph Rock for the four-year terms.

            Competing for two-year terms are Democrat Eric Grubb and Republican Jennifer Moran.

            For the borough's tax collector, incumbent Republican Aricia Sloyer is being challenged by Democrat Diane Criddle.

            In Pennsburg, Republican incumbent Mayor Vicki Lightcap will face Democrat Seth Howard.  For four available positions on borough council, incumbent Republicans Michael Mensch, Cody Belmont, Diane Stevens and Fred Schutte face a challenge from Democrats Charles Shagg and Wayne Stevens.

            In Marlborough Township, Republican candidate William Hurst faces a write-in campaign by Jim Miani.

            The four-year term for New Hanover Township Supervisor is being sought by incumbent Democrat Marie Livelsberger and William Ross Snook.  On the Republican side Snook – who took the blue side of the ballot, as well back in May – and Shawn Malloy appear.

            In the borough of Red Hill, Democrat Colleen Dunlap is providing a challenge to Republican incumbent Mayor Dave Shiffgens.

            Douglass Township Montgomery County voters will face a choice between Democrat John Stasik, Jr. and Republican Joshua Stouch for a two-year term on the board of supervisors.

            Republican incumbent Ron Kerwood is facing a challenge from Democrat Marla Hexter for a seat on the Lower Frederick Township Board of Supervisors.

Berks County

            In Region 1 of the Boyertown School District contest for two seats, Ruth Dierolf will appear on the Democratic and Republican ticket and face off against Democrat Rodney Boyer and Republican Robert Caso.

            For one open seat in Region 2, Democrat Jill Dennin will face Republican Dana Knowlten.  In Region 3, Democrat Brandon Foose is up against Republican Roger Updegrove.

            Washington Township has a race for Township Supervisor with Democratic incumbent Ernest Gehman going against Democrat Thomas Powanda.

Bucks County

            In Bucks County's Milford Township, Republican incumbent Robert Mansfield will face a challenge from Democrat David Gross.

            Five candidates will be vying for three seats on the Quakertown Borough Council.  Republican incumbents Jon Roth, Donald Rosenberger, and Jann Paulovitz will go up against Democrats Mae Wear and David Wilsey.

            The borough of Trumbauersville has Republican incumbent Mayor Melissa Baine facing Democrat Wesley Comes. 

            In the race for the seat on Region 3 of the Quakertown Community School District, incumbent Republican Charles Shermer will be facing off against Democrat Keith Micucci.