The Committee of Seventy today sent out a reminder about voter registration. Check out their release:
COMMITTEE OF SEVENTY REMINDS VOTERS TO REGISTER BY
APRIL 19 FOR THE MAY PRIMARY ELECTION
Urges PA to Reduce 30 Day Voter Registration Deadline
PHILADELPHIA – April 12, 2010 – The Committee of Seventy, a non-partisan organization that fights for fair elections, today reminded all media outlets that the deadline for eligible Pennsylvanians to register to vote or change their voter registration before the May 18, 2010 primary election is Monday April 19, 2010. Seventy called the state's 30 days before an election registration deadline a major deterrent to voter turnout
"Pennsylvania has one of the most restrictive voter registration deadlines in the country," said Zachary Stalberg, Seventy's President and CEO. "Eligible voters often don't pay close attention to an election until the final month before voting day. A 30 day registration deadline shuts many people who want to vote out of the elective process entirely. We should be making participation as easy as possible."
Stalberg said that Seventy supports efforts in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reduce or eliminate the gap between the 30-day registration deadline and an election, including a bill proposed by Philadelphia State Representative Brendan Boyle. "Either option would be a great step towards a more modern, voter-friendly registration system."
In the meantime, the Committee of Seventy urges all media outlets to remind voters of the April 19th deadline by disseminating the following information:
WHEN: The deadline to register for the Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Primary Election in Pennsylvania is Monday, April 19, 2010. This means that completed registration forms must be submitted or postmarked on or before the April 19th deadline.
WHO: An individual who has been a citizen of the United States for at least one month before May 18th, has been a resident of Pennsylvania and his or her election district for at least 30 days before May 18th and is at least 18 years old on May 18th can register to vote in the May 18, 2010 Primary Election.
Voters who wish to vote for a Democratic or Republic party candidate in the primary must register in the same party as their preferred candidate. Unaffiliated voters and those registered with minor parties may only vote on the ballot questions on May 18th.
Voters who have moved or changed their name since the last time they voted should also re-register. Otherwise, the voter must vote in their old election district or under their former name.
WHERE: Voter registration applications are available at County Boards of Elections (contact information below), post offices, state liquor stores and free library branches. Downloadable forms are also available at www.seventy.org and www.votespa.com.
Completed voter registration applications can be sent by mail, or submitted in person, to the County Board of Elections where the voter resides. Seventy urges voters who submit a registration application by mail to do so as early as possible to avoid delays.
Voters can also register in person at the following locations:
· PennDOT photo license centers.
· State offices that provide public assistance and services to persons with disabilities.
· Armed Forces Recruitment Centers.
· County Clerk of Orphans' Court offices, including Marriage License Bureaus.
· Area Agencies on the Aging.
· Centers for Independent Living.
· County Mental Health and Mental Retardation offices.
· Student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education.
· Offices of Special Education.
· ADA Complementary Paratransit offices
APPEAL: Voters whose voter registration applications are rejected may file an appeal petition with their County Board of Elections no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Voters who have doubts about whether or not they are properly registered should call their County Board of Elections.