HARRISBURG, Pa. – Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés yesterday reminded recent college graduates to check their voter registration and update if necessary.

“Many young voters register for the first time in the area where they are attending college,” Cortés said. “After graduation, their focus on finding a job and otherwise planning their next move may cause them to forget about the need to keep their voter registration current.”

Pennsylvania’s online voter registration (OVR) system, launched in August 2015, makes it easier than ever to update an existing in-state voter record. The OVR site can be used to change your name, address or party affiliation. For voters who registered in another state, OVR is also the most accessible and secure way to apply for a new registration in the Commonwealth.

Anyone who is unsure if they are registered in Pennsylvania can confirm their status at votesPA.com/status.

Tuesday, October 11, is the deadline to register for the November 8 general election. Applications for new registration, change of address or change in party affiliation must be submitted online by midnight on that day. Traditional paper registration applications must be postmarked no later than October 11.

Cortés said the November election is expected to generate the usual high interest due to the presidential race. Pennsylvania voters will also be electing a U.S. Senator, as well as the statewide offices of attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer. All state House seats in the General Assembly and state Senate seats with odd-numbered districts will also be on the ballot.

Individuals wishing to register to vote in the November 8 election must be:

• A citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election.
• A resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which the individual desires to register and vote for at least 30 days before the primary.
• At least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election.

The Department of State’s website votesPA.com, available in English or Spanish, offers a polling place locator and county boards of elections contact information. It also includes tips for first-time voters and members of the military. Voters also can familiarize themselves with the voting system they will use in their home county on Election Day.

In addition, voters will find helpful information at everyone.votesPA.com, our web-based voter education toolkit. The site offers a 2016 Voter Guide and the “Top 5 Things Every Pennsylvania Voter Should Know For The 2016 Elections.” Also available for viewing or download is the Everyone votesPA PowerPoint program that is being presented by Department of State staff at colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information on voter registration, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.