State ramps up voter-ID outreach

BY MICHAEL HINKELMAN, Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: August 15, 2012

THE Pennsylvania Department of State on Monday ramped up its voter-outreach efforts by enhancing VotesPA.com and launching it on Facebook and Twitter.

The effort is part of an ongoing marketing campaign by state officials to inform people about the new voter-ID law that requires voters to show an unexpired photo ID at the polls if they want to cast their ballots in the Nov. 6 general election.

VotesPA.com features a new layout to help voters find information about which photo IDs are acceptable and how to obtain a valid ID.

The website also has a "resource center" where voters can link to frequently asked questions about the voter-ID law, voter registration, absentee and alternative ballots, and locations of polling places. The information is available in English and Spanish.

Secretary of State Carole Aichele said social media "will be especially helpful in reaching younger voters" and establishing a "forum" for learning about the voter-ID law, which is being challenged in Commonwealth Court.

The state's voter-outreach follows the launch last week of a free "Election Protection" mobile app for smartphones by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, in Washington.

The app lets a voter verify registration, look up polling places, access an FAQ and see key dates for their state in the palm of their hand.

Contact Michael Hinkelman at 215-854-2656 or hinkelm@phillynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @mhinkelman.

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