Several local advocacy groups are encouraging Erie County residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box during a voter awareness event scheduled for, October 8.
Members of Presque Isle Rise Up, Erie Resistance Singers, Erie Visibility Project, and the Erie Bridge Brigade will gather outside the Erie County Courthouse at 3:15 p.m. to highlight the importance of civic engagement and voter participation ahead of the November general election.
Organizers say the event aims to encourage eligible voters to exercise their right to vote, increase awareness of voter rights, and promote participation in local, state, and national elections.
The gathering will also draw attention to Pennsylvania’s early voting option, known as on-demand mail ballot voting. Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot in person at the Erie County Elections Office, located in the courthouse, and in many cases complete and return their ballot during the same visit.
Organizers are inviting community members to attend the rally and consider casting their early vote while at the courthouse.
Important election deadlines are approaching. The voter registration deadline is October 19, while the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 27. Election Day is November 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail ballots must be received by county election officials by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
The event is intended to raise awareness of voting opportunities and remind residents of the role they play in the democratic process.