The good news: from 2016 to 2020 there was an 11 point increase in youth that showed up to vote for president. The bad news: that’s still only half of all eligible young people.
Although younger generations have always been the hardest block to convince to get out to the polls, today young folks are coming to the conclusion that voting in America isn’t the great equalizer it was once thought to be. But still for many, voting is still one of the most direct ways we can talk to our government, meaning we must use this opportunity… but first, you have to register.
Thankfully in recent years, registering to vote for Pennsylvanian citizens has become easier. Just last September, Governor Josh Shapiro implemented automatic voter registration for all eligible residents of the commonwealth who newly obtain or are renewing their driver’s license or ID cards. This measure automatically takes eligible Pa. residents through the voter registration application process when they interact with the Pa. Department of Motor Vehicles unless they opt out. Before this implementation, prospective voters were required to jump through additional hoops; this measure aims to streamline the process to save taxpayers time, as well as money. If you meet all the requirements to register and have to visit the DMV sometime, registering is as simple as not opting out of the automatic regeneration process. Even if you’re not going to renew your licence anytime soon, you can still go down to any Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver’s licence or photo center and register to vote. The same goes with most state government offices.
But if you’re like most people who don’t like going to the DMV, registering as a Pa. citizen who will be 18 before the next election can be done quite easily in many other ways. The most simple is probably to go to this form and follow the directions. Once submitted, you can check your status online or by contacting your county’s election officials.
Another way you can register is through the mail. Simply download the Pa. Voter Registration Application, print it out, fill it in, then send it to your county voter registration office. For those in Altoona, the local voter registration office is Blair County and is located on 279A Loop Road, Pa. 16648. If you register through mail, make sure to put a stamp on the envelope prior to mailing it and make sure to send it out so it gets to the office no later than the close of business on the day of the voter registration deadline. Your application will then be reviewed by the office and if approved, you will receive your voter registration card in the mail.
Unfortunately, registering to vote for people without housing or a permanent living situation can be quite difficult especially since when registering an address is required. However, you can still register and vote, unfortunately it takes a few extra steps. Print and fill out this blank application form and complete the map to indicate where you reside most of the time. After, you can take it to the county voter registration office. If you have trouble, call or visit your county’s election office or call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
The next election in Pa. is the general on Nov. 5, meaning to vote in this you have to be 18 before that day, be registered no later than Oct. 21, as well as be a Pennsylvanian citizen for at least 30 days.
Registering to vote is just the first step, make sure you follow through and show up to your polling place when it’s time to vote. If you are unsure of where you should cast your ballot, use this polling place locator to find out. If this does not work, or you don’t have permanent shelter, reach out to your local election office.
