FAQ

Why Vote?

Voting is one of the fundamental rights of representative government. The rallying cry of the American Revolution – “No taxation without representation – reflected our early and continued commitment to a system of government in which citizens have a voice. During the last one hundred years that right has been extended to African-Americans (Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Consitution, 1870), to women (Nineteenth Amendment, 1920) and to younger voters (Twenty-sixth Amendment, 1971).

Disenfranchisement through barriers such as literacy tests and poll taxes are uncommon today, but new strictures, for example, Indiana’s law requiring voters to present a driver’s license, continue to be enacted and litigated. The Supreme Court will hear the Indiana case in 2007.

 

Who Can Vote?

Effective January 1, 2006, all applications to register to vote MUST include the following:
  • Be a citizen of the United States. If naturalized, you must be a naturalized citizen for at least 30 days prior to the election
  • You must be a resident of voting district for at least 30 days before the election
  • You must be at least 18 years old on or before election day
  • You must present identification (either a PA driver’s license, or a non-driver’s ID card, or the last four digits of your social security number).
  • You must be registered to vote. If you have moved or have not registered in your current district, you must do so at least 30 days before the election.

 

Questions of particular interest to international students or American students who will not yet be 18 by Election Day.

  • Can I register others to vote?
    You can certainly tell others about voter registration and point out Web sites for online registration, but you yourself may not register for another person. If someone is disabled and cannot sign the registration form, you may help them. In this case you will be asked for some information about yourself too.


  • Can I volunteer for political campaigns?
    Yes, you can volunteer and participate in campaigns for candidates or work for political parties or issue-oriented groups. Use the Web to find contact information or work with the Drexel Dems www.drexeldems.org or Drexel Republicans or other interest groups on campus.


  • Can I donate money to political campaigns?
    United States citizens or lawfully-admitted permanent residents may contribute to political candidates and there are limits on the amount of money any one can contribute.


  • Will I have jury duty if I register to vote?
    In Philadelphia jurors are randomly selected from a combined list of registered voters and adult licensed drivers, so it is possible that you could be called for jury duty. Remember, you only need to serve at most once a year. See the Philadelphia Courts’ FAQ about jury duty for more details.


  • I’m from another state. Can I register in Pennsylvania?
    Yes, if you have been a Pennsylvania resident for 30 days and if you meet other registration requirement, such as age (18 by the next election) and citizenship you may choose to register in Pennsylvania. See the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s College Voting Guide for more details.


  • Can I register using my dorm address?
    Yes you can. You can choose to register at your school address or at your permanent address. Again, check the College Voting Guide.


  • I’m from another state. Will I lose government or private scholarships if I register in Pennsylvania?
    No, even though you may be classified as “out-of-state?? by Drexel and by funding agencies, you may still register to vote in Pennsylvania.


  • What is the difference between a primary and a general election?
    Primary elections give votes a chance to help national parties choose among possible candidates for office. Usually the primaries and caucuses narrow the field to clear front runner for each party. If not, then the national party conventions take on that task. In most states, primaries are “closed,?? which means only registered Democratic voters may vote for Democratic candidates, and the same for the Republicans. In the general national election all registered voters may cast a vote for anyone on the ballot, so a Democrat could vote for the Republican nominee for President, for example.


  • Is there more to the process than just voting?
    Yes, indeed. Students can hold political office (as opposed to public office) in local political party executive committees (often called Committeemen or Ward Leaders). Students can lobby for particular issues by writing letters to elected officials or to local newspapers or by participating in blogs. Most importantly students can share their enthusiasm and ideas with others, ask questions, and become engaged in the process.

 

How Do I Register?

 

Do I need an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots are intended for individuals who cannot vote in person due to disability, location (serving in the military), or election-related tasks. Visit www.votespa.com and look for “Absentee Ballot" under the “Quick Links" section in the right hand column for more information on when and how to apply for an officialabsentee ballot.

 

What are the important deadlines?

  • Registration deadline for PA Primary: March 23 2008 for April 22, 2008 Primary
  • Registration deadline for Pennsylvania residents for the general election: early October, 2008 for election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
  • For other states and territories, visit National Association of Secretaries of State.

 

What difference does it make if I register as a party member or an independent?

  • Only registered party members may vote for their party’s candidates in primary elections.
    In Pennsylvania, voters registered as Independents, may not vote for Democratic, Republican, or other party-affiliated candidates in the primary election (April 22, 2008). For example, registered Democratic voters may only case votes for candidates running in the Democratic primary. This is called a “closed primary.

    Some states have “open primaries” which allow all registered voters to cast ballots for any candidate, regardless of his/her party affiliation.. Other variations – semi-open,’ semi-closed, blanket primaries, and combinations – and frequent changes in the rules make it important for prospective voters to check with local officials about the current process in any given state.
  • All voters may vote for ballot initiatives and non-partisan positions.

 

Where's my polling place?

  • Philadelphia county

    Hallwatch.org
    Polling place locator for Philadelphia addresses including dorms and apartment buildings. Enter your address, find your polling place

    Committee of 70 Citizen Access Center
    Maps and polling place finder for Philadelphia area addresses

    Contact your county elections office
    Mr. Edward Schulgen
    Deputy City Commissioner
    City Hall
    Philadelphia, PA 19107
    (215) 686-3460

    Mr. Bob Lee, Voter Registration Admin.
    Riverview Place
    520 N. Delaware Ave. 5th Fl.
    Philadelphia, PA 19123-4295
    (215) 686-1500 OR 1505

    Pennsylvania

    Other States