New system makes it easier than ever to cast a ballot

By Phil Hnatkovich
Far be it from a biking organization to encourage you to spend more time checking websites on your couch, but registering to vote is one activity that we support making as easy as possible.

Fulfilling a campaign promise by Governor Wolf, Pennsylvania recently unveiled a spiffy new online voter registration system. The Commonwealth joins 22 other states with online registration.

So why online registration? By negating the need for residents to travel, it lowers a major barrier between voters and the polls — and improving access to public services is something that many people on bikes should get behind. The Wolf administration also says that the system will increase the accuracy of voting lists, cut costs, and improve efficiency, claims that are supported by a recent Pew survey.

Finally, the state wishes to reassure voters that the new system uses the latest security protocols to transmit their personal data to the appropriate county voting office for processing.

If you don’t have a state-issued drivers license or ID, the online process isn’t entirely smooth — in that case, you’ll need to print and submit your signed online application by mail to your county voting office.

The registration deadline for the upcoming November election is October 5, so act now!

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