HARRISBURG, Pa. – Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés is reminding Pennsylvanians that polls will be open throughout the Commonwealth on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., for the 2015 Municipal Election.
“I encourage all registered voters to cast ballots in this important election,” said Cortés, whose department oversees elections. “Up for election are county and local offices, as well as seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court.”
A historic election for the state Supreme Court, the oldest appellate court in the nation, has drawn much attention in recent weeks. Three new justices will be elected to 10-year terms on the seven-member bench. It is believed to be the first time since colonial days that so many open seats on the high court will be filled at once.
Cortés pointed out that, although that high-profile race is on many voters’ minds, they will also cast ballots for races such as county commissioners, mayors, city and borough council members, township supervisors and school board directors.
Local elected officials are responsible for many policies that have more immediate impact on Pennsylvanians’ daily lives than the national offices that draw more attention, Cortés said.
“Local officials decide everything from the quality of our children’s education to policing and public safety. They also set property tax rates and establish zoning and economic development policies that affect how our communities will grow and prosper,” Cortés said. “I hope every registered voter in Pennsylvania will take the time Tuesday to cast a ballot, the most fundamental right we can exercise as citizens.”
In addition, Secretary Cortés reminded voters about the many resources available to citizens to prepare forElection Day. Voters can visit www.votesPA.com to locate their polling place and to learn how to operate the voting machine in use in their specific county.
Voters appearing at a polling place for the first time will need to show proper identification, which may be either photo or non-photo ID. There is no identification requirement for voters returning to vote at a polling place the second or subsequent election.
Also, registered voters have the right to cast a provisional ballot at the polling place if they believe they are registered at the precinct but are not listed in the pollbook. Provisional ballots will be reviewed by county officials within seven days after the election to determine whether the voter was eligible.
A voter is also entitled to have assistance at the voting booth if he or she is unable to enter the booth or use the balloting system. The voter can choose who will provide the assistance, except for the voter’s employer, an agent of the employer, an officer or agent of the voter’s union or the Judge of Elections.
For complete information about voting in Pennsylvania, visit www.votesPA.com.
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