Paige Dalto, staff writer ’24
The registration deadline for voting in Pennsylvania’s general election this year is Monday, Oct. 24.
All students who are not yet registered to vote are strongly encouraged to do so. Some young people may think one vote doesn’t make a difference, but in reality, every vote counts, and every vote matters. Voting is a civic duty as Americans, and it’s crucial to approach this duty through a historical lens.
“Over the years, the right to vote has not just been handed to people,” Dr. Chris Dolan, professor of politics and global studies, said. “So much blood, sweat and tears went into gaining women’s voting rights, as well WWII soldiers who were under 21. These young men were old enough to fight but not to vote, and the 26th Amendment came from their protests.”
The fight for the right to vote took decades of activism and protest, and it is the duty of the American people to not let the fight of past generations go to waste.
While voter turnout amongst college students has consistently increased, there is still a substantial number of students who are unregistered.
“The process of registering to vote could not be any easier, and it only takes five minutes,” Dolan said.
Students who are unsure of their registration status can check on www.votespa.com and can also register via this site. All that is necessary to register is a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT-issued ID. Those interested in applying for a mail-in ballot may request this on the website as well.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by the county clerk, at the latest, one week before the election. Once the mail-in ballot is completed, it must be mailed back and received by 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.
Students residing at LVC may register to vote with their campus address. The polling place for voting in person is located at Annville Church of the Brethren, a short walk from campus.
PA polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Don’t miss this opportunity to put forward the voice of the younger generation. It is this generation that will impact the future of Pennsylvania and of America as a whole.