PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Voter registration deadlines for next month’s election are quickly approaching.
In New Jersey, residents have until Tuesday, Oct. 16. In Pennsylvania, they have until Monday, Oct. 23.
Looking ahead of these looming deadlines, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt talked with people in the Philadelphia area Monday about the importance of voter registration.
“There’s a lot that goes into voter education in the lead up to an election to make sure that every eligible voter can register to vote and every registered voter can cast their vote and have their vote counted,” he said.
For Philadelphia voters, Nov. 7 is a big Election Day, as they will elect a new mayor for the first time in eight years, a predominantly new city council, and a seat in the state Supreme Court.
Schmidt said it’s often the local elections that create the most visible change in daily life.
“With municipal elections in particular, the sort of lower level the office is, the more impact it can have on your everyday life,” he said.
“It sounds like a cliche, but it’s very true … and that is that every election is important. And it’s important that voters make their voice heard ...”
Turnout during the May municipal primary in Philadelphia was just over 27%. A higher turnout is expected for the general election — according to the Pennsylvania Department of State, there was about a 76.5% turnout for the state’s 2020 election.
Schmidt says he encourages voters to engage in every election and do their part to make sure their vote is cast and counted.
More information on Pennsylvania voter registration and requirements can be found here.