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Voter Registration Deadline Looms

80 to 90 million Americans are expected to cast ballots in the November 6 presidential election. Tuesday October 9 is the final day to register to vote.

Mark Keeler, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State, said the requirements for voter registration are straightforward.

“You need to be a citizen of the United States for at least a month before the election, you need to be a resident of Pennsylvania in the election district in which case you are registering for, for at least 30 days prior to the election, and you have to be at least 18 years of age on or before November 6,” Keeler said.

Voters will cast ballots for candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senate, Attorney General, Auditor General, Treasurer, U.S. Congress, as well as state Senate and state House of Representatives.

Mark Wolosik, Allegheny County Elections Division Manager, says it may take a few weeks for those registering to receive a confirmation.

“Because of the large number of people [voting] in a presidential election that typically either register by mail or register through a voter registration drive, we are looking at a 2-3 week period for us to receive your voter registration, process it, [and] then issue your certificate of voter registration,” Wolosik said.

For anyone unsure of their voter status, Keeler says you can contact your county, the department of state, or check your status online by filling out your name and address.

“We suggest if you are really concerned that you’re not registered or you could be towards inactive, that you reach out and just make that quick little contact, just to make things a little easier and smoother,” Keeler said.