The past few days have been difficult for Pennsylvania and our entire nation. The unconscionable murder of George Floyd was only the latest painful incident in an exhausting, centuries-long string of racist violence in America.
We hear all those who are speaking out, and we stand with all those who are peacefully protesting across our commonwealth.
And while we recognize it will take far more than an election to overcome the deeply rooted racism within our country, voting remains a crucial tool in our fight for justice.
In a beautiful essay he published today,President Obama reminded usour voices must be heard everywhere—both in the streets and in the ballot box.
So we're writing to urge you to make your voice heard in the PA Primary tomorrow.
We will not right the wrongs of racism with anything less than a sustained and multiracial movement for change in our homes, in Harrisburg, and in Washington DC.
As President Obama said, we can't fix the problems plaguing our nation with activism or voting alone. We have to do both.
Also received this e-mail from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party today:
In Pennsylvania's first ever election with no-excuse mail voting, our state and local election officials have performed incredibly.
They safely delivered an unexpected surge of over a million ballots and established well over one hundred ballot dropoff locations statewide, all while navigating several crises and resistance from some GOP leaders.
Still, we recognize that in some rare cases mail ballots were damaged or didn't arrive in time.Rest assured — If you were approved for a mail ballot you can not return, you may still vote by requesting a provisional ballot at your assigned polling place.
We understand voting in person is not ideal, and we only ask that you do so if you feel entirely safe. We don't recommend voting in person if you feel sick, or if anyone in your household has a severe health issue.
If you do decide to vote in person, here are some ways you can protect yourself and others at the polls:
Wear a maskat all times while at the polling place.
Wash your handsimmediately before and after voting.
Bring your own pen(black or blue ballpoint) to fill in the provisional ballot.
Vote during low-traffic periods, such as the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, if your schedule allows it.
Be mindful of personal space.Limit your contact and try to keep six feet between you and other people.
If you have any additional questions about casting a provisional ballot,please call our Voter Support Hotline: 1-833-PAVOTES.Voting advocates will be standing by for your calls until 9 PM tonight and all day on Primary Day.
