September 7, 2022
PHILADELPHIA — All Voting is Local’s Co-Director of States Scott Seeborg issued the following statement in response to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive order that expands access to voter registration information:
“Pennsylvania voters are doing everything in their power to have their voices heard, despite persistent barriers. Today their state leaders responded by making voter registration materials more available. This will encourage turnout and help ensure voters have easier access to the ballot box.
“In a critical step forward, the Department of Corrections is listed among the seven governmental agencies now required to supply this information. This move removes burdens for this often disenfranchised group of voters. At a time when lawmakers and conspiracy theorists across Pennsylvania want to erect barriers to voting, increased registration opportunities have never been more critical.”
Background
Per today’s executive order, seven governmental agencies in Pennsylvania will now be deemed Voter Registration Distribution Agencies (VRDA). They will be required to supply voter materials at offices and events, including an official voter registration mail application and envelope with instructions explaining where the application must be sent.
The departments that must supply this information at certain offices and events are: the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, the
The departments that must supply this information at certain offices and events are the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Conservation, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor and Industry.
All Voting is Local has long advocated for increased voting opportunities and ballot access for incarcerated individuals.