Voter registration can be confusing for many first-time voters. However, the importance of voting cannot be understated. Considering students live in Lancaster, Pa. for 9 or more months of the year for four years, even local elections can still have an important impact on students. With college-aged U.S. citizens already having the lowest voter turnout, it becomes critical for F&M students to fight against this trend and show up to the polls.
So, how do you register to vote?
Well, it’s actually pretty easy. Voter registration can either take place online or through a physical form if you are a resident of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania residents simply need to go to votesPA.com to register. This website can also be used to check voter registration status. Students from out of state will need to register with a physical form, which can be picked up at the Steinman College Center or either the Shadek or Martin Libraries.
Filling out the form is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to watch out for. First, students must use black ink to fill out the form. Anything else will be tossed out by the Board of Elections. Second, the form asks for the last name first, first name second. This trips up a surprising number of students. Third, only check the new registration option if you are registering to vote for the first time; otherwise, choose the change of address option. The address will already be filled out for you!
After filling out the form, you can turn it in at drop boxes located at the College Center or either library. On election day (Nov. 3rd), our polling place is the Lancaster Theological Seminary, which is right across the street from Shadek. The polls will be open 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. The whole voting process takes around 10 minutes. Then, you get a sticker!
For any further information about voter registration or voting, look out for F&M Votes on Hartman Green on Sept. 22nd-24th and Oct. 5th-8th. F&M Votes is a non-partisan coalition centered around helping students vote. They will be tabling to help students register to vote and to hand out voter registration forms. Unfortunately, there will be no stickers.
Sophomore Ella Kasatkin is a Staff Writer. Their email is ekasatki@fandm.edu.