Jonathan LaiWhat I DoI cover voting and elections as The Inquirer’s Data & Democracy reporter. I also lead a data journalism team as Editor of Data-Driven Storytelling.(215) 854-4541Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Dave McCormick and Bob Casey is going to a recount. How will it work? An automatic recount has been triggered in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick. Here's how the recount will work.Katie Bernard and Jonathan Lai Nov. 14, 2024Link copied to clipboardState court rejects GOP challenge to Pennsylvania mail voting lawFourteen current and former GOP state lawmakers had contended that recent court rulings rendered the law that enabled no-excuse voting by mail invalid.Jeremy Roebuck and Jonathan Lai June 27, 2023Link copied to clipboardElection 2023: Cherelle Parker wins history-making Philly Democratic mayoral primary; Democrats keep Pa. House majority after Delco special election winAs of Tuesday night, the crowded contest for five at-large seats on Philadelphia City Council had not been called.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Anthony R. Wood, Kristen A. Graham, Jeremy Roebuck, Beatrice Forman, Jonathan Lai, Chris Brennan, Aubrey Whelan, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Jake Blumgart, Ximena Conde, Jesse Bunch, Jason Laughlin, and Gillian McGoldrick May 17, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe Philadelphia Inquirer’s operations continue to be disrupted by a cyber incidentIt was unclear when systems would be fully restored. The incident is the greatest disruption to Inquirer publication since 1996.Jonathan Lai May 15, 2023Link copied to clipboardWhen will we know who won Philly’s mayoral primary election? Depends on how close the votes are.A close race in the Philadelphia mayoral primary could mean a long wait before the winner is known.Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboardPa. Democrats want counties to be able to count mail ballots faster. Here’s why changes are unlikely.Pennsylvania House Democrats are posing a bill that would allow "pre-canvassing," activities such as opening envelopes or unfolding ballots, but not counting them, before Election Day.Gillian McGoldrick and Jonathan Lai April 25, 2023Link copied to clipboardPhilly spent more money buying beer for the Super Bowl than at any other time in the past two yearsBeer spending that day in Philadelphia and its collar counties surpassed Thanksgiving Eve and New Year's Eve, typically the busiest days of the year for beer stores and bars.Erin McCarthy and Jonathan Lai March 9, 2023Link copied to clipboardHow The Inquirer is reporting the results of Philadelphia’s 2023 general electionElection results come directly from the Associated Press and city elections officials.Jonathan Lai Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardPhilly’s incumbent elections officials won their uncontested primary elections. Now the real fight begins.The three incumbents won uncontested. Two are safe, but the third faces a challenge in November.Jonathan Lai May 19, 2023Link copied to clipboardHow to find your Pa. polling place Polling places can change between elections. Here's how to confirm where you are assigned to vote.Jonathan Lai and Kristen A. Graham May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboardPhilly will use electronic poll books this election. Here’s what you need to know.The switch to electronic poll books should be a small change for voters, but one with significant improvements to election administration.Jonathan Lai May 12, 2023Link copied to clipboard2023 primary: Mayoral candidate DeLeon files FCC complaint against 6ABC, KYW; candidates express condolences after canvasser was killedThe Philadelphia Democratic primary for mayor is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania primary on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Jonathan Lai, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Julia Terruso, Chris Brennan, and Nick Vadala May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboardPa. Supreme Court angrily sanctions county for violating order on Dominion voting machinesThe sanctions were a message about the authority of the courts, and they followed more than two years of fighting in the wake of the 2020 election.Jonathan Lai April 19, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe winners of this year’s local races will run Pa.’s 2024 election, and the stakes are highThe local officials Pa. elects this year will run the 2024 elections. They’ll be responsible for certifying the results.Jonathan Lai March 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardWhat to know about the Pennsylvania fake electors mentioned in Trump’s third indictmentThough 20 prominent Pennsylvania Republicans signed on as "fake electors" for Trump during the 2020 election, they are unlikely to face charges. Here's why.Jeremy Roebuck, Gillian McGoldrick, and Jonathan Lai Aug. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardElection 2023: Cherelle Parker says she wants to unify the city after mayoral primary win; Cindy Bass declares victory as race remains uncalledCherelle Parker wasn’t able to take the stage at her own victory party after she was hospitalized for a dental emergency.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Jonathan Lai, William Bender, and Max Marin May 18, 2023Link copied to clipboardPhilly election 2023: Mayor race a virtual tie ahead of tomorrow’s primary; Joe Biden makes late endorsement in Pa. House raceCandidates in the Democratic primary for mayor crisscrossed Philadelphia in recent days in a final push ahead of Tuesday's election.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Chris Brennan, Anna Orso, Julia Terruso, Jonathan Lai, Sean Collins Walsh, and Rodrigo Torrejón May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboard2023 Philadelphia primary: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to rally for Philly mayoral candidate; family mourns loss of canvasserThe Philadelphia Democratic mayoral primary is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania election on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, and Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboardYour no-nonsense guide to the 2023 Democratic primary for mayor, Council, and row officesPhiladelphia’s primary election will be held on May 16, when voters will cast their ballots for mayor, commissioner, controller, register of wills, sheriff, and City Council.Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Chris Brennan, Layla A. Jones, Max Marin, Jonathan Lai, Michelle Myers, and Henry Savage May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboardQuiz: How do residents feel about Philly’s major issues?Take our quiz to find out.Charmaine Runes, Sam Morris, and Jonathan Lai March 15, 2023Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Dave McCormick and Bob Casey is going to a recount. How will it work? An automatic recount has been triggered in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick. Here's how the recount will work.Katie Bernard and Jonathan Lai Nov. 14, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Dave McCormick and Bob Casey is going to a recount. How will it work? An automatic recount has been triggered in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick. Here's how the recount will work.Katie Bernard and Jonathan Lai Nov. 14, 2024Link copied to clipboard
State court rejects GOP challenge to Pennsylvania mail voting lawFourteen current and former GOP state lawmakers had contended that recent court rulings rendered the law that enabled no-excuse voting by mail invalid.Jeremy Roebuck and Jonathan Lai June 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard
State court rejects GOP challenge to Pennsylvania mail voting lawFourteen current and former GOP state lawmakers had contended that recent court rulings rendered the law that enabled no-excuse voting by mail invalid.Jeremy Roebuck and Jonathan Lai June 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Election 2023: Cherelle Parker wins history-making Philly Democratic mayoral primary; Democrats keep Pa. House majority after Delco special election winAs of Tuesday night, the crowded contest for five at-large seats on Philadelphia City Council had not been called.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Anthony R. Wood, Kristen A. Graham, Jeremy Roebuck, Beatrice Forman, Jonathan Lai, Chris Brennan, Aubrey Whelan, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Jake Blumgart, Ximena Conde, Jesse Bunch, Jason Laughlin, and Gillian McGoldrick May 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Election 2023: Cherelle Parker wins history-making Philly Democratic mayoral primary; Democrats keep Pa. House majority after Delco special election winAs of Tuesday night, the crowded contest for five at-large seats on Philadelphia City Council had not been called.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Anthony R. Wood, Kristen A. Graham, Jeremy Roebuck, Beatrice Forman, Jonathan Lai, Chris Brennan, Aubrey Whelan, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Jake Blumgart, Ximena Conde, Jesse Bunch, Jason Laughlin, and Gillian McGoldrick May 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s operations continue to be disrupted by a cyber incidentIt was unclear when systems would be fully restored. The incident is the greatest disruption to Inquirer publication since 1996.Jonathan Lai May 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s operations continue to be disrupted by a cyber incidentIt was unclear when systems would be fully restored. The incident is the greatest disruption to Inquirer publication since 1996.Jonathan Lai May 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
When will we know who won Philly’s mayoral primary election? Depends on how close the votes are.A close race in the Philadelphia mayoral primary could mean a long wait before the winner is known.Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
When will we know who won Philly’s mayoral primary election? Depends on how close the votes are.A close race in the Philadelphia mayoral primary could mean a long wait before the winner is known.Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Democrats want counties to be able to count mail ballots faster. Here’s why changes are unlikely.Pennsylvania House Democrats are posing a bill that would allow "pre-canvassing," activities such as opening envelopes or unfolding ballots, but not counting them, before Election Day.Gillian McGoldrick and Jonathan Lai April 25, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Democrats want counties to be able to count mail ballots faster. Here’s why changes are unlikely.Pennsylvania House Democrats are posing a bill that would allow "pre-canvassing," activities such as opening envelopes or unfolding ballots, but not counting them, before Election Day.Gillian McGoldrick and Jonathan Lai April 25, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly spent more money buying beer for the Super Bowl than at any other time in the past two yearsBeer spending that day in Philadelphia and its collar counties surpassed Thanksgiving Eve and New Year's Eve, typically the busiest days of the year for beer stores and bars.Erin McCarthy and Jonathan Lai March 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly spent more money buying beer for the Super Bowl than at any other time in the past two yearsBeer spending that day in Philadelphia and its collar counties surpassed Thanksgiving Eve and New Year's Eve, typically the busiest days of the year for beer stores and bars.Erin McCarthy and Jonathan Lai March 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
How The Inquirer is reporting the results of Philadelphia’s 2023 general electionElection results come directly from the Associated Press and city elections officials.Jonathan Lai Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
How The Inquirer is reporting the results of Philadelphia’s 2023 general electionElection results come directly from the Associated Press and city elections officials.Jonathan Lai Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s incumbent elections officials won their uncontested primary elections. Now the real fight begins.The three incumbents won uncontested. Two are safe, but the third faces a challenge in November.Jonathan Lai May 19, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s incumbent elections officials won their uncontested primary elections. Now the real fight begins.The three incumbents won uncontested. Two are safe, but the third faces a challenge in November.Jonathan Lai May 19, 2023Link copied to clipboard
How to find your Pa. polling place Polling places can change between elections. Here's how to confirm where you are assigned to vote.Jonathan Lai and Kristen A. Graham May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboard
How to find your Pa. polling place Polling places can change between elections. Here's how to confirm where you are assigned to vote.Jonathan Lai and Kristen A. Graham May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly will use electronic poll books this election. Here’s what you need to know.The switch to electronic poll books should be a small change for voters, but one with significant improvements to election administration.Jonathan Lai May 12, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly will use electronic poll books this election. Here’s what you need to know.The switch to electronic poll books should be a small change for voters, but one with significant improvements to election administration.Jonathan Lai May 12, 2023Link copied to clipboard
2023 primary: Mayoral candidate DeLeon files FCC complaint against 6ABC, KYW; candidates express condolences after canvasser was killedThe Philadelphia Democratic primary for mayor is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania primary on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Jonathan Lai, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Julia Terruso, Chris Brennan, and Nick Vadala May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
2023 primary: Mayoral candidate DeLeon files FCC complaint against 6ABC, KYW; candidates express condolences after canvasser was killedThe Philadelphia Democratic primary for mayor is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania primary on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Jonathan Lai, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Julia Terruso, Chris Brennan, and Nick Vadala May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Supreme Court angrily sanctions county for violating order on Dominion voting machinesThe sanctions were a message about the authority of the courts, and they followed more than two years of fighting in the wake of the 2020 election.Jonathan Lai April 19, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Supreme Court angrily sanctions county for violating order on Dominion voting machinesThe sanctions were a message about the authority of the courts, and they followed more than two years of fighting in the wake of the 2020 election.Jonathan Lai April 19, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The winners of this year’s local races will run Pa.’s 2024 election, and the stakes are highThe local officials Pa. elects this year will run the 2024 elections. They’ll be responsible for certifying the results.Jonathan Lai March 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The winners of this year’s local races will run Pa.’s 2024 election, and the stakes are highThe local officials Pa. elects this year will run the 2024 elections. They’ll be responsible for certifying the results.Jonathan Lai March 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
What to know about the Pennsylvania fake electors mentioned in Trump’s third indictmentThough 20 prominent Pennsylvania Republicans signed on as "fake electors" for Trump during the 2020 election, they are unlikely to face charges. Here's why.Jeremy Roebuck, Gillian McGoldrick, and Jonathan Lai Aug. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
What to know about the Pennsylvania fake electors mentioned in Trump’s third indictmentThough 20 prominent Pennsylvania Republicans signed on as "fake electors" for Trump during the 2020 election, they are unlikely to face charges. Here's why.Jeremy Roebuck, Gillian McGoldrick, and Jonathan Lai Aug. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Election 2023: Cherelle Parker says she wants to unify the city after mayoral primary win; Cindy Bass declares victory as race remains uncalledCherelle Parker wasn’t able to take the stage at her own victory party after she was hospitalized for a dental emergency.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Jonathan Lai, William Bender, and Max Marin May 18, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Election 2023: Cherelle Parker says she wants to unify the city after mayoral primary win; Cindy Bass declares victory as race remains uncalledCherelle Parker wasn’t able to take the stage at her own victory party after she was hospitalized for a dental emergency.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Jonathan Lai, William Bender, and Max Marin May 18, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly election 2023: Mayor race a virtual tie ahead of tomorrow’s primary; Joe Biden makes late endorsement in Pa. House raceCandidates in the Democratic primary for mayor crisscrossed Philadelphia in recent days in a final push ahead of Tuesday's election.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Chris Brennan, Anna Orso, Julia Terruso, Jonathan Lai, Sean Collins Walsh, and Rodrigo Torrejón May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly election 2023: Mayor race a virtual tie ahead of tomorrow’s primary; Joe Biden makes late endorsement in Pa. House raceCandidates in the Democratic primary for mayor crisscrossed Philadelphia in recent days in a final push ahead of Tuesday's election.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Chris Brennan, Anna Orso, Julia Terruso, Jonathan Lai, Sean Collins Walsh, and Rodrigo Torrejón May 16, 2023Link copied to clipboard
2023 Philadelphia primary: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to rally for Philly mayoral candidate; family mourns loss of canvasserThe Philadelphia Democratic mayoral primary is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania election on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, and Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
2023 Philadelphia primary: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to rally for Philly mayoral candidate; family mourns loss of canvasserThe Philadelphia Democratic mayoral primary is the biggest race in this year's Pennsylvania election on May 16.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, and Jonathan Lai May 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Your no-nonsense guide to the 2023 Democratic primary for mayor, Council, and row officesPhiladelphia’s primary election will be held on May 16, when voters will cast their ballots for mayor, commissioner, controller, register of wills, sheriff, and City Council.Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Chris Brennan, Layla A. Jones, Max Marin, Jonathan Lai, Michelle Myers, and Henry Savage May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Your no-nonsense guide to the 2023 Democratic primary for mayor, Council, and row officesPhiladelphia’s primary election will be held on May 16, when voters will cast their ballots for mayor, commissioner, controller, register of wills, sheriff, and City Council.Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Andrew Seidman, Chris Brennan, Layla A. Jones, Max Marin, Jonathan Lai, Michelle Myers, and Henry Savage May 9, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Quiz: How do residents feel about Philly’s major issues?Take our quiz to find out.Charmaine Runes, Sam Morris, and Jonathan Lai March 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Quiz: How do residents feel about Philly’s major issues?Take our quiz to find out.Charmaine Runes, Sam Morris, and Jonathan Lai March 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard