HARRISBURG, PA — As the November 5 general election draws near, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and the Department of State are spearheading a campaign to ensure that older voters are well-informed about the mail ballot process. This initiative, highlighted during a recent quarterly meeting between PDA Secretary Jason Kavulich and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, underscores the critical role that older voters play in the democratic process.
Historically, older adults have consistently demonstrated higher voter turnout compared to other age groups. However, data from the April 2024 primary election revealed a concerning trend: while voters aged 70 and above returned half of all mail ballots, they accounted for nearly 58 percent of those rejected due to errors. Common mistakes included missing dates or signatures and incorrect dates on the ballot return envelope. This indicates a pressing need for targeted voter education to prevent such issues in the upcoming election.
Secretary Kavulich emphasized the necessity of mail ballots in enabling older adults to participate in elections without barriers, noting the potential complexities they face in correctly filling out and submitting their ballots. In response, the Department of Aging, in collaboration with the Department of State, is actively working to disseminate clear and accessible information. This includes distributing educational flyers with home-delivered meals and enhancing outreach efforts through local agencies.
Secretary Schmidt pointed out that in an effort to reduce ballot rejection rates, the Department of State has redesigned mail ballot envelopes to include clearer instructions. This redesign is part of a broader strategy by the Shapiro Administration to ensure that every eligible voter’s ballot is counted. Schmidt reaffirmed this commitment, stating, “The Department has made significant improvements to mail ballot materials to cut down on undated or misdated mail ballot envelopes that have resulted in ballots being rejected.”
To further bolster voter education, the Department of State has launched a comprehensive statewide digital advertising campaign. This initiative includes targeted ads on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, specifically focusing on older voters. These advertisements, available in both English and Spanish, are designed to guide viewers to reliable resources such as the “Ready To Vote PA” toolkit and the newly established Election Security in Pennsylvania webpage.
By addressing the challenges faced by older voters in the mail ballot process, Pennsylvania is not only enhancing voter turnout among this key demographic but also strengthening the integrity of the election process. Ensuring that older adults can easily and accurately cast their ballots is crucial for upholding the democratic principles of accessibility and fairness.
As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania’s concerted efforts to educate and empower its older citizens are expected to contribute positively to the state’s electoral landscape, reinforcing the foundational belief that every vote matters.
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