Pennsylvania Department of State steps up voter education efforts

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Department of State today launched a voter education push aimed at increasing voter registration and participation in the electoral process.

At the heart of the initiative is Everyone votesPA, the Department's comprehensive voter education program. Everyone votesPA includes a web-based educational and social media toolkit, including downloadable materials.

Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés is asking civic organizations and educational institutions across the state for their assistance in getting out the word. He said colleges and universities will be key to the effort.

"A good democracy hinges on well-informed voters," Secretary Cortés said. "The Commonwealth's colleges and universities are natural partners to work with us in establishing a lifelong commitment to voting among our young citizens."

There are approximately 2 million eligible Pennsylvanians who are not registered to vote, according to U.S. Census and Department of State statistics.

Marian K. Schneider, deputy secretary for elections and administration, said education is vital to making voting more accessible to all.

"We want to educate voters about their rights and exactly what they can expect when they go to the polls," Deputy Secretary Schneider said. "The more the voter knows, the better the experience will be, and voters will be less intimidated the first time voting at the polls."

The Everyone votesPA material guides voters through all aspects of voting, from registration to the actual experience at the polling place as well as absentee voting.

The complete voter education toolkit, which includes a 2016 Voter Guide and "Top 5 Things Every Pennsylvania Voter Should Know for the 2016 Elections," can be found at Everyone.votesPA.com. The site also features a welcome video from Secretary Cortés and a PowerPoint presentation.

The voter registration deadline for the November general election is October 11. Join the conversation by following PA State Department on Facebook and Twitter, and using the #votesPA hashtag.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us