Dear PMTA Members,

Election Day is just around the corner. It is crucial that every eligible voter exercises their right to cast a ballot.

Why vote?

Voting is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. Our state and local governments are responsible for making decisions that undoubtedly impact our daily lives, from education and healthcare to transportation and infrastructure. Importantly this year, Pennsylvania’s ballot contains several judicial elections that are critical to ensuring that trucking is treated fairly by the courts in our state. By voting in the November election, you have the power to influence these decisions and choose people who will work towards the betterment of our industry and our communities.

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 7, you must be registered by October 23, 2023.

In Pennsylvania there are four ways to register to vote:

• Online at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
• By mail – download the Pennsylvania Voter Registration Application https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Documents/Voter_Registration_Application_English.pdf 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 -https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Pages/Contact-Your-Election-Officials.aspx
• At PennDOT and some other government agencies - https://www.vote.pa.gov/Register-to-Vote/pages/how-to-register-to-vote.aspx

Key Deadlines:

1. Mail-in and Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: If you plan to vote by mail, the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 31, 2023. To ensure you have enough time to receive and return your ballot before the deadline, request this as early as possible.

2. Mail-in and Absentee 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 7, 2023. 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 or Absentee Ballot:

• Online by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State website https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin
• By mail https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Documents/PADOS_MailInApplication.pdf
• In-person at your county election office https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Pages/Contact-Your-Election-Officials.aspx

2. Complete Your Ballot: Once you receive your mail-in or absentee 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 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.

In-Person Voting:

If you are planning to vote in person, 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 7, 2023.
• Check your polling location ahead of time. It may have changed since the last election.

Other Voting Requirements:

• In Pennsylvania, you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of the state for at least 30 days prior to the election.
• You must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day to be eligible to vote.
• If you have been convicted of a felony, your right to vote will be restored upon the completion of your sentence, including probation or parole.

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 7, 2023.

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.votespa.com for more information.

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

Sincerely,

PMTA Team