By Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, GRCA
As the Director of Advocacy at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), I often find myself in the delightful position of juggling reading policy, going to events and answering emails, while still trying to find time for the occasional coffee break. Today, let’s talk about something a bit more serious: voter registration and the importance of casting your ballot in Berks County. With every election cycle comes the urgency of voter registration and participation in our democratic process. I want to share why voting is not just a right but a responsibility that shapes our community’s future and how you can access the resources you need to get informed and involved.
First, let’s acknowledge the significance of voter registration. Registering to vote is not just another chore on the bottom of your to-do list, like finally cleaning out that junk drawer in your kitchen, dusting the baseboards or flushing out the water heater Remember, just like in Game of Thrones, “Winter is Coming.” It’s essential to recognize that every voice matters, and every vote counts. When we register to vote, we take the first step in influencing local policies, business and economic development, funding for education, public health initiatives and infrastructure projects that directly affect our daily lives. Our local government is responsible for decisions that impact us most intimately—our neighborhoods, schools and even the roads we drive on.
I get it. Sometimes, the registration process can feel more complicated than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions and be more frustrating than getting out of the Broadcasting Square parking lot on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, this makes members of our community feel disenfranchised, leading eligible voters to remain unregistered or disengaged from the electoral process. No need to fret. As an organization committed to advocacy, GRCA strives to work with businesses and community partners to dismantle these barriers. By providing resources and information, GRCA aims to empower every individual in Berks County to take ownership of their civic duty.
Voter registration is not just about filling out a form; it’s about claiming your voice in the democratic process. Voting is a powerful way to influence the issues that matter most to us by helping to elect leaders who align with our values and priorities. We also contribute to the creation of policies that can foster growth, equity and sustainability in our community. It’s our opportunity to push for the changes we want to see—whether it’s infrastructure improvements, better public transportation or enhanced support for local businesses. When we engage in the electoral process, we amplify our concerns and help steer the conversation towards solutions that benefit everyone.
As we approach the upcoming elections, I encourage everyone to take action. Check your registration status, talk to your friends and family about the importance of voting and consider volunteering with local organizations focused on voter outreach. If you need resources, keep scrolling and check out where you can find information on not just how or where to vote but also how to best educate your vote to find the legislators that best represent your interests.
Voting is our chance to be heard. It is our opportunity to influence the direction of our community and advocate for the issues we care about most. Let us not underestimate the power of our voices. Register to vote, educate yourself on the issues (check out our resource guide below), and make your voice count in the upcoming elections. And remember, when we speak and let our voices be heard, we create an environment where we are Greater Together.
Berks County Voters Guide
Important Dates and Times
- Election Day: Nov. 5, 2024
- Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- If you are IN LINE by 8 p.m., you CAN vote.
- Voter Registration Deadline:
- In person: Oct. 21, 2024
- Online: Oct. 21, 2024
- By Mail: Received by Oct. 21, 2024
- Mail-In Ballot/Absentee Ballot Application Deadline:
- Request Ballot: Received by Oct. 29, 2024, by 5 p.m.
- Return ballot by mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024, by 8 p.m.
- Return ballot in person: Nov. 5, 2024, by 8 p.m.
- Apply for your ballot here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineMailInBegin
How to Vote
- In-Person Voting:
- Find Your Polling Place: https://www.pa.gov/en/services/vote/find-your-local-polling-place.html
- Mail-In and Absentee Voting:
- Deadline to Return Ballot:
- Received by Nov. 5, 2024, by 8 p.m.
- Deadline to Return Ballot:
- Voter ID Requirements:
- First-Time Voters: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote/voter-support/new-voters.html
Who is Running?
- Berks County Candidate Information:
- Federal and State Candidates:
Get Informed! Know the Issues
- Nonpartisan Voter Guides:
- League of Women Voters: https://www.lwvberks.org/
- Vote411: https://www.vote411.org/pennsylvania
- Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Pennsylvania
- Local News
- Spotlight PA : https://www.spotlightpa.org/berks/
- Reading Eagle: https://www.readingeagle.com/
o Spotlight PA : https://www.spotlightpa.org/berks/
o Reading Eagle: https://www.readingeagle.com/
Need Help? Have Questions?
- Contact Berks County Voter Services:
- Phone: 610-478-6490
- Office Address: Berks County Services, 1st Floor
- 633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601
- Berks County Website: https://www.berkspa.gov/departments/election-services
- PA Voter Information Hotline:
- 1-877-868-3772
- Answers questions about polling place locations, voter registration status, voter rights, reporting complaints and more.
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