National Voter’s Registration Day is September 28th – and I haven’t done a thing to get ready! No decorations up and no presents bought! Just kidding – this isn’t that kind of holiday. But if you have questions about this special day, here are some answers.
- What’s National Voter’s Registration Day – I never heard of it?
It is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrated on the fourth Tuesday in September – this year it takes place on September 28th. It’s a way to celebrate our democracy and raise citizens’ awareness of voter registration opportunities.
- I’m ready! Where do I register?
Right here. You can register online, by mail, and in person at the county election office as well as other government agencies like PennDOT. Once you see how easy it is – encourage a friend to register too.
- Why are you bugging me? I’m already registered to vote.
Great job! But you’re included in the celebration too – go to this website and check the status of your registration. It will display your political party registration, as well as your voting districts and polling places – great information to have. You can even request directions to your polling place! If you changed your name, address or political party, you can update your registration.
- That’s it? I don’t feel like I celebrated enough yet.
I like your attitude – keep the celebration going! Here are some ideas:
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- Today is the perfect day to help someone else register to vote. Do you know someone that just turned 18? Who is a new citizen? Who hasn’t voted in a while and might need to update their registration? Offer to help them.
- If you are more of an “I celebrate the whole month” type of person, you can help someone register anytime. Pro tip: 10/18/21 is the last day to register to vote before the 11/2/21 election. And let’s face it – voting is the whole point of registering.
- Registering to vote is the first step. The National Voter’s Registration Day website has some great ideas to get ready to vote.
- What does this have to do with the library?
I’m so glad you asked! Did you know your library has:
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- Paper voter registration applications – available in English and Spanish.
- Public computers so you can go online and register.
- Staff that is happy to answer any questions you have about registering to vote – or who will give you the contact information of experts with the answers.
- Bonus: did you know some of our libraries will host mail in ballot drop boxes during the upcoming election period? Check the Bucks County Board of Elections for locations, dates and hours of availability for drop boxes as we get closer to Election Day.
- Will there be cake? Because I don’t think it’s really a celebration without cake!
Yes – I agree with you 100% – it’s not a celebration without cake! There will be as much cake as you bake or buy yourself! And be sure to stick an American flag on your cake – because registering to vote is one of the most patriotic things you can do!
Pat H.
