Things To Do

4 ways to get involved during the Nov. 3 General Election in Pennsylvania

A guide on how to get more involved during election season.

How to register to vote in Pennsylvania
(USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

If you’d like to make an impact this Election Day, there are plenty of ways to take action beyond casting your vote. You can serve as a paid poll worker or volunteer to watch the polls, volunteer to drive voters to the polls, or bring communities together with Party at the Polls.

Here’s how to get involved on Election Day in Pennsylvania:

1. Become a poll worker

Happy man working as polling station volunteer during US elections.
Photo credit: Shutterstock

As voters gear up for the midterm elections, it’s important to highlight the people who help to keep our election process free and fair: poll workers. They are the foundation of every American election.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a poll worker in Pennsylvania, here’s information on how you can get involved.

2. Volunteer as a poll watcher

We asked, you answered: How confident are you that Pa.’s election process is fair and secure?
Voters line up at an early voting satellite location at the Anne B. Day elementary school, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Every American has the right to safe and fair elections, and thanks to thousands of workers and volunteers throughout the commonwealth every year, Pennsylvanians can vote easily, safely, and with the support they need. 

Are you passionate about maintaining the integrity of American elections? Consider becoming a poll watcher!

3. Drive voters to the polls

voting
Despite House Bill 280’s passage — and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s vow to sign it into law if it reaches his desk — its fate in Pennsylvania’s Republican-majority Senate isn’t clear. (Photo: USA Today Network)

Many obstacles keep people from getting to the polls. Whether they don’t have a car, are not able to drive, or are living with a disability, voters still have the right to make their voices heard.

Want to help increase voter turnout in Pennsylvania? Consider volunteering to give rides to the polls this election season. Here’s how to start. 

4. Party at the Polls

A participant holds a sign during a Party at the Polls event. Party at the polls is a national initiative to fight voter suppression and support community.
Photo courtesy of When We All Vote

The national voter turnout organization, When We All Vote, has fought for safe and intimidation-free elections for the past decade. Their strategy? Bringing the party to the polls themselves.

There are plenty of ways to take part in this national initiative. You can attend one of several Party at the Polls events near you, or you can even throw one yourself. Here are some ways you can get involved. 

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Patrick Berkery
Patrick Berkery Senior Newsletter Editor
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  • Ava is an up-and-coming journalist who recently graduated from William & Mary with a degree in English. She’s written for news publications such as her school’s newspaper, The Flat Hat, and Hampton Roads’ WAVY-TV 10. As a lifelong Virginia resident, she looks forward to informing her community on the latest information and events.