University to Participate in City Voter Activation Efforts

This year’s general election is less than two weeks away and for eligible voters now is the time to make a plan to cast your ballot. Voting will look a little different due to the coronavirus, but with education and a little preparation each of us can safely cast our ballots. 

Those seeking information and resources or ready to drop off their mail-in ballots for Lackawanna County can join a When We All Vote Together voter activation event this Friday, October 23 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. outside of City Hall. This COVID-safe event, where PPE will be provided, is offered by Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti in partnership with The University of Scranton’s Royals Vote, Marywood University’s Pacers to the Polls, The Black Scranton Project and When We All Vote, a nonpartisan voter engagement organization.

This event will celebrate voting and encourage voters in Scranton to vote early this year. The event will offer outdoor physically distanced tables where voters can come to obtain materials, information, and ask questions. After stopping by City Hall, voters are encouraged to bring their mail-in ballots to vote at the Lackawanna County Government Center Drop Box located at 123 Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. Ballot applications will be available for voters who choose to request, receive, mark, and cast their mail-in ballot in one visit at the county election office.

If you are not able to attend the Friday event, please keep the following tips in mind as we approach Election Day. If you plan to vote by mail, remember do not wait to send your ballot. For Pennsylvania residents, be sure to seal your ballot in the inner envelop and seal that within the outer envelope. Mail with enough time for your ballot to be received by November 3, and no later than November 6, or utilize a drop box location for Lackawanna County (a list can be found here).

If you are planning to vote in person, be sure to confirm the details of your polling location. Those voting for the first time at a polling location will need to remember to bring an accepted form of identification (accepted forms for PA can be found here). This year in-person voters will also need to adhere to coronavirus protocols, including wearing a mask. It is possible you may have to wait in line to vote, so be sure to have adequate time to complete your voting.

Before you head to the polls or complete your mail-in ballot, make sure that you know which candidates you can vote for, their positions on issues that are important to you, and any referendums that may be up for a vote in your area. You can preview what’s on your ballot at https://www.ballotready.org/

Remember to Vote Royals. Your voice matters and voting is the best way to make it heard.  Please visit www.scranton.edu/RoyalsVote for voting resources and information or email community@scranton.edu with any voting questions. #RoyalsVote