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As Abraham Lincoln said, we have a government "of the people, by the people and for the people." But what exactly does "by the people" mean? Simple - VOTING!
In order for us to have a true democracy, every person who is a citizen of the Unites States and 18 years of age or older should be able to vote if they choose. There should not be any other restrictions. You do not have to be a landowner as it was back in the early days. You should not have to have a photo ID or proof of residence. You don't need to pass a specific test. If you are an adult US citizen, you should have the right and the ABILITY to vote.
Starting last September, PA residents who are obtaining new or renewed driver licenses and ID cards and are eligible to vote are automatically taken through the voter registration application process unless they opt out of doing so. Previously eligible voters were required to take additional steps to opt into the voter registration process. This is a huge step that has been taken by several states now.
You may be aware that a very small percentage of people who turn 18 each year register to vote. Without getting into the weeds of why this is, let's talk about what we can do to remedy that situation.
Registering to vote should be made easy and easily accessible to all young people when they "come of age". It should be harder to not register to vote than to register. One thing that appeals to younger would be voters is the ability to scan a QR code to go directly into the site to register. As the song says "children are our future". They need to be taught to think and to decide what path to follow. Then they need to be able to make their voices heard by voting in EVERY election!
Contrary to what you may have heard, elections in our country are conducted with pain staking precision. Every precaution is taken to make sure that the laws are carried out with almost obsessive compulsive care. As a poll worker for many years, I can attest to that here in Lycoming County. Additionally every vote matters. The examples of elections being decided by just a few votes - or even one vote - are very common.
Are you registered to vote? It's so easy. You can go on the state's website (www.vote.pa.gov) or locally on the Voter Services website here in Lycoming County (lyco.org/vote). If you don't have computer access just call the friendly folks at Voter Services at 570-327-2200 (main switchboard; just ask for Voter Services) and they'll be glad to help you out. You don't have to register as any particular party if you don't want to. Just be advised that if you don't register as Democrat or Republican, you will not be able to vote in a Primary Election.
Once registered you can choose to vote by mail. All you have to do is apply by the scheduled date. If you're going to be away during an election, you can apply for an absentee ballot. This year the last day to register to vote in the General Election is October 21 and requests for mail in ballots must be in by Oct. 29. The election itself is on Nov. 5.
The only way we will truly have a government "by the people" is for everyone to vote who is eligible to do so. It's not just a right or a privilege. It's our duty.
Verna Caruso, a Muncy native, is a former staff member at Inc. magazine and past chair of the Lycoming County Democratic Committee.