With voter registration deadlines coming up, here are five reasons why you sould register to vote in Pennsylvania!
1. Pennsylvania is a swing state!
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In 2016, Pennsylvania voted for Republican Donald Trump to be president, but in 2012 and 2008, Pennsylvania went blue for Obama. The governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, is a Democrat, while the state legislature is majority Republican. Every vote truly matters in Pennsylvania, as your vote could be the one that determines which way the state swings!
2. You are a resident of Pennsylvania
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As Gettysburg students, we live in Pennsylvania at least 8 months out of the year. This means state and local politics dramatically affect us. It makes sense to register to vote where your school is located, so that you can vote to make the place where you spend most of your time a better place!
3. Local elections matter!
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Some people may not register to vote until the midterm elections in 2018 or maybe even until the next presidential election in 2020. This is a mistake! Local politicians can affect our lives in more direct ways than national politicians can. Local politicians can affect our lives in more direct ways than national politicians can. Local politicians help attract business to Gettysburg, improve public transportation, and can play a large part in curbing police brutality. Many state or national politicians start their careers in local politics as well. Your vote could help launch the career of the next important congress person.
4. It’s your right as a citizen
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In many countries around the world, citizens do not have the right to elect government officials, or have to vote in rigged elections. We are lucky to live in a country that values our right to choose who runs the government. It is important to vote in order to take full advantage of the benefits democracy gives us.
5. Your Voice Matters!
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You can’t complain about politics if you didn’t vote to change things! Less than half of the population participates in local elections, so if you vote your voice carries even more weight. How can a community be well represented if citizens don’t vote for people they want to represent them? Voting makes local politicians better politicians, so vote to ensure that the issues you care about are fixed.
How can I register?
The website you can register at is https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
And here are some tips to help you fill out your form! Make your voice heard!
For step number 3. Reason: Check “New Registration”
For step number 5. Street Address: 300 North Washington Street
Unit Number: Use your campus mailbox number
City: Gettysburg
Zip: 17325
County: Adams
Municipality: Gettysburg
For step number 7. Enter Pennsylvania driver’s license number OR last 4 digits of Social Security number (either will work).
For step number 10. You do not need to fill this part out.