Dear PMTA Members,

Election Day is quickly approaching, and voting will soon begin for the November 5, 2024 General Election. 

PMTA encourages its members to educate themselves and their employees about Pennsylvania’s election procedures to ensure that they can fully participate in the election. 

ALL eligible Pennsylvania voters may cast mail-in ballots now, which may be particularly helpful to truck drivers and other employees who find themselves busy or out on the road on Election Day. Employers are permitted to provide nonpartisan information about these procedures to their employees if they choose. 

Ways employers can encourage their employees to participate in the election:

Provide nonpartisan information to employees about the upcoming election, including deadlines and procedures. (Please see attached flyers, in English and Spanish, with critical deadlines. The PA Department of State has more posted in its Voter Toolkit.)

Encourage employees to make sure they’re registered to vote far ahead of the deadline. They may do so:

Online. 

Or by calling their county voter registration office.

Consider providing the Pennsylvania Voter Registration and Mail-in Ballot Application to employers to fill out and return to their county election office. You can pick up paper forms at your county election office or download and print the form to distribute.

Consider providing paid time off for employees to visit their polling place to vote on Election Day.

Why vote?

Voting is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. This year, of course, voters will be choosing our President, U.S. Senator, and members of Congress, as well as critical state offices, including Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor General, PA House, and half of the PA Senate. By voting, you have the power to choose people who you believe will best represent our industry and communities for the future. Experts agree that Pennsylvania voters will be critical to the outcome of the national election this year.

To Register:

If you aren’t already registered to vote, the deadline to register in Pennsylvania is fifteen days before an election. To vote on November 5, you must be registered by October 21, 2024.

In Pennsylvania there are four ways to register to vote:

Online.

By Mail. Download the Pennsylvania Voter Registration and Mail-in Ballot Application. Print it, then fill it in, sign it, and send it to your county voter registration office.

In person at your county voter registration office.

At PennDOT (registration at PennDOT happens automatically now unless you decline) and some other government agencies.

Mail-in Ballot Deadlines:

Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline: If you plan to vote by mail, the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 29, 2024. To ensure you have enough time to receive and return your ballot before the deadline, request this as early as possible.

Mail-in Ballot Submission Deadline: If you choose to vote by mail, your completed ballot must be received by your county election office no later than 8:00 PM on Election Day, which is November 5, 2024. If you are voting by mail-in ballot, plan to return it as soon as possible.

How to Vote by Mail

1. Request a Mail-in Ballot:

• Online.
• By mail. Applications are available in county election offices and printable online.
• In-person at your county election office.

2. Complete Your Ballot: Once you receive your mail-in ballot, carefully read the instructions and mark your choices. Remember to place your completed ballot in the secrecy envelope provided and then into the outer return envelope.

3. Sign and Return Your Ballot: Be sure to sign and date the declaration on the outside of the return envelope. You can return your completed ballot by mailing it or by dropping it off at your county election office.

Note: you may also vote a mail-in ballot in person in your county election office up until October 29 by applying at the counter. The county will process your application while you wait, and if you are eligible, give you a ballot to complete that day.

In-Person Voting:

If you are planning to vote in person at your polling place, here are some key details:

• Polls in Pennsylvania will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, which is November 5, 2024. If you are in line by 8:00 PM, you are eligible to vote.
• Check your polling location ahead of time. It may have changed since the last election.

Remember, your voice matters. We have an opportunity to make a difference. By participating in the upcoming election, you will help shape the future of our industry. Please make sure to mark your calendars, stay informed, and cast your vote on November 5.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local county election office or visit www.vote.pa.gov for more information.

Thank you for being an engaged and responsible citizen and member of our state trucking community.

Sincerely,

PMTA Team