In sprint to November, Democrats seize on shifting landscape over abortion

Cat Thomas used to call herself politically independent. But she registered as a Democrat the moment she turned 18 this summer, fearful that Republicans in Pennsylvania would ban abortion.

Hope Pierotti, 20, hurried to re-register in her new swing-state home days after Roe v. Wade was overturned, similarly anxious about abortion rights. The procedure is legal in Pennsylvania, but Republicans could pass sweeping restrictions if they win the governor’s race and keep control of the statehouse.

And Britney Preston finally signed up to vote two years after sitting out the 2020 presidential election — when she felt her ballot would not make a difference, even in this battleground state.