Pennsylvania Secretary of State reminds Pennsylvanians to check voter registration status

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés today reminded Pennsylvanians to check their voter registration status before the October 11 registration deadline.

"New online tools make it simple for voters to verify that they are registered and that all their information is current," Secretary Cortés said. "Checking your registration now can ensure your registration will be in order when you go to vote in November."

Citizens who want to be sure they are registered can go directly to votespa.com to verify their registration.

Or, use the Department of State's new text messaging service to check a registration. Using a smartphone, simply text "PA" to 2Vote (28683) and receive a link to key election services.

"If someone hasn't voted for a few years, they can use this easy service to be sure they are still registered," said Marian K. Schneider, deputy secretary for elections and administration. "Or if a voter has moved and can't remember whether they changed their registration, this tool offers a quick and convenient way to check."

Tuesday, October 11, is the deadline to apply for a new voter registration or make changes to an existing registration before the November general election.

Eligible citizens who are not registered can apply online at register.votesPA.com. The 2Vote text service also provides a direct link to the online voter registration site.

Pennsylvania voters will be electing the U.S. President and Vice President, one U.S. Senator and 18 U.S. House members, as well as the statewide offices of attorney general, auditor general and treasurer. Odd-numbered state Senate districts and all state House seats will also be on the ballot.

Individuals wishing to register to vote in the November 8 general election must be:

• A citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election.
• A resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which the individual desires to register and vote for at least 30 days before the election.
• At least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election.

The votespa.com website, available in English and Spanish, also offers printable voter registration applications, a polling place locator and county boards of elections contact information.  It includes tips for first-time voters and members of the military. 

In addition, voters can familiarize themselves with the voting system they will use in their home county on Election Day.

For more information on voting and elections, call the Department of State's toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Wanda Murren (717) 783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us