PHILADELPHIA – Gov. Edward G. Rendell has urged the more than 8.75 million Pennsylvanians who are registered to vote on Nov. 4 to prepare and understand their rights and the voting process to ensure their voices are heard.
“A record number of Pennsylvanians are registered to vote in Tuesday’s General Election,” said Gov. Rendell. “And with some estimating that as many as 80 percent of these voters may go to the polls, it’s likely that some people will encounter long lines at their polling place. To help reduce wait times, it’s important that voters come prepared, understand the voting process, and, when possible, choose to vote during off-peak times.”
The Governor encouraged voters to confirm their registration and to learn where their polling place is located, what kind of voting system they will use, and what they should bring with them. Voters can find this information, as well as answers to other frequently asked questions at VotesPA.com, the Pennsylvania Department of State’s voter preparedness Web site.
He reminded those who will vote at a new precinct for the first time to take along an approved form of identification. A complete list of approved forms of identification is available at VotesPA.com.
“State law requires that Pennsylvanians who are voting for the first time—or for the first time in a new precinct—must present an approved form of photo or non-photo identification,” said Gov. Rendell. “The variety of approved forms of ID for first-time voters includes, but is not limited to, a Pennsylvania driver’s license, a student ID, or a current utility bill or bank statement.”
The Governor added that if there is a question as to a voter’s eligibility or if a first-time voter cannot provide a form of identification, he or she may cast a provisional ballot. County election officials will examine the provisional ballots within seven days after the election to determine whether the voter was entitled to vote. If the provisional ballot was cast by a registered voter, it will be counted.
Following these guidelines, the Governor said, will help to alleviate wait times during the election. He encouraged voters to also cast their ballots during off-peak times, such as after 10 a.m. and before 5 p.m. The polls are open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., but those who are standing in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Gov. Rendell also reminded voters to check with their county elections board to see what Election Day activities are permitted at their polling place. A recent Commonwealth Court decision affirmed that counties are responsible for deciding which activities, such as wearing buttons or t-shirts in support of a candidate, are permissible.
“Tomorrow, our primary goal is to ensure a fair, accurate and accessible election where every eligible, registered voter is allowed to vote,” said Gov. Rendell. “The commonwealth, our 67 counties, and Pennsylvania’s nearly 50,000 poll workers have worked tirelessly to ensure that is the case.
“However, to ensure the process runs smoothly, I implore every voter to prepare and know their rights. If you get to the polls and believe that you are properly registered, but others question that, know that you can still cast a provisional ballot and have your voice heard. If you have questions, visit VotesPA.com, call your county board of elections, or call the state’s toll-free election at 1-877-VOTESPA (868-3772).”