HARRISBURG, PA — Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has issued a reminder that the deadline to register to vote in the April 23 primary is fast approaching. As the clock ticks down to the April 8 registration cut-off, he urged every eligible Pennsylvanian to seize this opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Ensuring free and fair elections is a cornerstone of democracy, and the Shapiro Administration has made it a priority to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot. “It takes only a few minutes to register to vote, and I urge every eligible Pennsylvanian who is not yet registered to do so before the April 8 deadline,” Schmidt emphasized. “Once you are registered, you can then exercise your fundamental right to vote and let your voice be heard in the upcoming primary election.”
The eligibility requirements for voting in the primary are straightforward. A person must be a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the primary, a resident of the election district in which they plan to register for at least 30 days before the primary, and at least 18 years old on or before the date of the primary.
For those already registered to vote, it’s recommended to check their registration status online. This platform also allows voters to update their records with any changes in name, address, or party affiliation.
Pennsylvania operates a closed primary system, meaning only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote for their respective party’s nominees. These nominees will then appear on the ballot in the November 5, 2024, general election. The positions up for grabs include nominees for president, U.S. Representative, one U.S. Senate seat, state Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, all Pennsylvania House seats, and Pennsylvania Senate seats in odd-numbered districts.
In addition to online registration, eligible Pennsylvanians can also register by mail or in person at various locations, including county voter registration and assistance offices, Armed Forces recruitment centers, area agencies on aging, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) photo and driver license centers, among others.
The Shapiro Administration launched automatic voter registration in September. Now, all PennDOT photo and driver license centers offer automatic voter registration, providing a seamless way for eligible Pennsylvanians to register to vote or update their registration when obtaining or renewing their identification.
Registered voters also have the option to request a no-excuse mail-in or absentee ballot online, a convenience that has become increasingly important in recent years. However, it’s important to note that mail-in and absentee ballot applications must be received by a voter’s county elections board by 5 p.m. April 16, and voted mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by county election offices by 8 p.m. April 23.
Information about the voting process is readily available on the department’s voter information website, vote.pa.gov. The site offers voter registration applications, a polling place locator, and contact information for county elections offices. It also includes tips for first-time voters, mail-in and absentee voters, elderly and disabled voters, and members of the military.
The upcoming primary represents a critical juncture in Pennsylvania’s political landscape. The decisions made by voters will shape policy and governance in the state for years to come. As such, it is vital that every eligible Pennsylvanian takes this opportunity to make their voice heard. The power of democracy lies in the hands of its voters, and every vote truly does count. Whether you’re a seasoned voter or casting your ballot for the first time, remember that your vote is your voice – let it be heard loud and clear this primary season.
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