Unless you live under a rock, chances are you know that we will be electing a new President this year. Election years are exciting, albeit a little annoying, with constant commercials and advertisements for the candidates but we live in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our great nation, so electing a new President has special meaning in our city!
Voting is easy as pie right? Not really. The truth is it can be a bit confusing so now is the time to get everything in order so that you can be ready for both the Primary election on April 26th, 2016 and the general election on November 8th, 2016.
Let’s break it down: Primary Election.
A Primary election is where you can vote for the candidate you wish to run for President in YOUR party. That means you must be registered as a Republican to vote for a Republican candidate or as a Democrat to vote for a Democratic candidate. If you are registered as an Independent you can’t vote for either a Democrat or a Republican in the Primary election in the State of Pennsylvania.
What does that mean?
If you are feeling the Bern, or saluting the flag with Donald you need to make sure you are registered to vote in the proper party now.
But how do I register?
Registering to vote is pretty easy, you can even do it through the DMV where you get your license but if you have moved recently or you are new to the country it can get tricky. You can register to vote in Pennsylvania as long as you are:
- 18 year old or will be 18 years old on or before April 26th (to vote in the Primary)
- A citizen of the United States for at least one month prior to the election so as of February 26th
- A resident of Pennsylvania AND the election district in which you want to register and vote for at least 30 days prior to the election
Bottom line: Don’t drag your feet. If you’ve recently moved and you haven’t changed all of your information take care of it now so that you have plenty of time to register in the correct party for the Primary vote on April 26th. To be double sure you are good to go or to register or change any information visit votespa.com.
I’m registered, now what?
If you are registered to vote you should receive a certificate of voter registration in the mail with all your information and your party listed. Check it out thoroughly, make sure the information is correct and that you know where your poling place is located and that the party is correct.
Ok, but I can vote anywhere right?
Wrong. Your certificate will tell you where you can vote, you cannot just walk into any poling location, you must go to the location that was provided to you since that is where you are registered.
What if I won’t be around for election day?
It is possible in some cases to fill out an absentee ballot. Find that information here.
Got it, I’m ready for the Primary
Great! Now just get ready for the general election on November 8th, 2016. The general election is where we officially elect our new President. It doesn’t matter what party you are registered as to vote. Do your research and vote for the candidate of your choice.
Hopefully that clears up some confusion in the voting process. It is our constitutional right to vote, our forefathers worked hard, right here in Philadelphia, to give us these rights and we can honor them by being informed and exercising our right to vote!
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