Last Chance to Register to Vote in Upcoming 40th State Senatorial District Election

The Allegheny County Elections Division announced that residents who wish to vote in the Aug. 7 special election in the 40th State Senatorial District must be registered by today.

Residents will choose between Dr. Sharon Brown, D-McCandless, and Rep. Randy Vulakovich, R-Shaler, in this election to fill the remaining term of Sen. Jane Orie.  Orie was  to 2-1/2 to 10 years in prison after her March conviction of using her legislative staff to perform political work.

To qualify to vote, one must be a United States citizen at least one month prior to the election, a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district at least 30 days before the election, and 18 years old on or before the day of election.

Individuals needing to register may apply in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Office of the Registration Commission in Room 609 of the County Office Building located at 542 Forbes Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Elections Division will remain open until 5 p.m. on July 9 to accept hand-delivered voter registration forms.

Registration-by-mail forms may also be used to register or to change name, address or party affiliation. These forms are available at Armed Services Recruitment Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, as well as many branches of the U.S. Postal Service and state, county and municipal offices. Voter registration forms may also be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State’s voting information website and clicking on “Register to Vote” to download the forms.  You cannot register online.

Registration forms must be postmarked by July 9.  Once the form is completed and returned to the Elections Division, approved applicants will receive a voter identification card.

Registered voters who have moved or changed their name or party affiliation must also notify the Elections Division by July 9.

For the Aug. 7 special election, all voters will be requested to show an acceptable photo ID, but they are not required to do so. All voters will be able to vote as in the past without ID, except first-time voters. Voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show approved forms of ID.

Allegheny County residents who have questions or would like to verify their registration status may call the Elections Division at 412-350-4510. 

North Hills Patch will be interviewing both candidates, but before they do, they want to know what questions you have for them.

Simply post your questions in the comments box below, and will make sure to add them to our list for each candidate.

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