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Important Voting Deadlines

OCTOBER 8:
The recommended deadline to register for in-person voting, do it before Fall break!

OCTOBER 21:
Official deadline to register in-person voting.

OCTOBER 22:
The recommended deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot.

OCTOBER 29:
Official deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is October 29 by 5 p.m.
Application for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election office.

The recommended deadline for returning absentee ballots and mail-in ballots is October 29.

NOVEMBER 5: Election Day!
Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Absentee or mail-in ballots must be received by November 5 at 8 p.m.

Visit pa.gov for more information on Pennsylvania voting procedures and deadlines.
Visit vote.gov for more information, voting procedures and deadlines for all 50 states.

Civic Activities on Campus

The Center for Political Participation and Andrew Goodman Foundation are hosting a variety of events on local, state, and federal elections and politics.

  • September 16 — Voter Registration Event: The Center for Political Participation (CPP), Andrew goodman Foundation (AGF), and the IDEAS Center are hosting a voter registration event in the Campus Center. CPP and AGF student fellows will be there to help anyone who would like assistance with completing their voter registration form. They will also provide assistance to anyone who is interested in applying to vote by mail or receive an absentee ballot.
  • Setpember 17 — Constitution Day Address: The Center for Political Participation (CPP), Andrew Goodman Foundation (AGF), and the IDEAS Center are hosting a Constitution Day address from 12:20 to 1:20 p.m. in the Tillotson Room of the Tippie Alumni Center. Political theorist Allan Tellis will discuss the significance of the Constitution amidst current threats to political freedom and equality. A period for audience questions will follow.
  • Thursday, October 17 — Talking about Politics in Polarized Times: What can we learn form a new, student-designed card game? Talking about politics-especially when we strongly disagree with people- can be unpleasant and unproductive. Why does it always need to be this way? Is it possible to talk more constructively with people who seem very different and find shared interests and common ground? A new, student-designed card game provides and opportunity to explore the possible answers to these questions. Designed by Law & Policy student Reagan Grace Wheat, this game’s goal is not to outsmart the group you’re participating with, but to engage in thoughtful conversation about the real issues that currently affect America. Join us in Quigley Hall, Room 122 at 6pm for games and pizza.
  • Tuesday, October 22 — We Who Believe in Freedom: Race, Religion, and Reproductive Justice: On July 24, 2024, Democratic Nominee VP Kamala Harris addressed the Zeta Phi Beta sorority members. In this address primarily to Black women, Harris reflected on the importance of balancing one’s faith with political resistance. Professor Delgado, a scholar of history and religion, will discuss Harris’ remarks and will consider the often-overlooked relationship enjoyed between political freedom, religious identity, and race. Time reserved for audience questions will follow the public address. This event will be held in the Pelletier Library, Room 311 from 12:20 to 1:20pm. Lunch will be served.
  • October 25 — Lunch & Learn: How to approach post-election conversations inside and outside the classroom
  • November 5 — Shuttle Buses to the Polls on Election Day
  • November 7 — Panel Discussion: What Happened on Election Day? What Does It Mean for American Democracy? The Center for Political Participation (CPP), Andrew Goodman Foundation (AGF), and IDEAS Center are hosting a Quigley Town Hall on the results of the 2024 election and their implications for American politics. A panel discussion, followed by questions from the audience, will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Henderson Auditorium in Quigley Hall. All are invited.
  • In addition, watch My Allegheny for details about open discussion groups, panels hosted by the political science department on What Political Science Can Tell Us About the 2024 Elections, Election Day transportation to voting location, and post-election forums.

Personal Wellbeing

Recognizing that this election year is surrounded by a strongly divided political landscape, Wellness at Allegheny is offering these events:

  • Allegheny College Wellness invites the campus community to a walking club every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. through September. Meet on the Gator Quad and start a new healthy habit to kick off the academic year! We invite students, faculty, and administrators to join us for a walk around campus to celebrate community and wellness! Rain location is the indoor track located in the Wise Center. Any questions can be directed to wellness@allegheny.edu
  • Individual consultations for staff and faculty on stress management are sponsored by Health & Wellbeing. For appointments, email wellness@allegheny.edu
  • The LGBTQIA Mixer: Finding a Safe Space In a Chaotic World on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5 p.m. (IDEAS Center Extension)
  • Emotional Intelligence: Unity & Community on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 5 p.m. (Campus Center 301/302)
  • November 6, 12:15–1:30 pm, Tillotson Room, Tippie Alumni Center — Post-Election Reflections: A Dialogue Group — As the dust begins to settle from the 2024 election, let’s pause and reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that this cycle has stirred within us. This election has left many of us with many thoughts and feelings. As we begin to move forward, it’s essential to channel our feelings into constructive dialogue. The Office of Inclusive Excellence invites members of the campus community to engage in moderated dialogues in a reflective space. A light lunch will be served.
Gator Day web graphic

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Gator Day is a fall and spring tradition at Allegheny, and falls on the same day as the 2024 election.

In lieu of classes, students attend sessions designed to promote their development and maximize their Allegheny experience. In addition to the day’s programming and schedule of events, there will be shuttle buses to the polls throughout the day.

Election Day Shuttle Service

Rides to the polls: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Shuttle buses will meet students at the top of Brooks walk for rides to polling precincts from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Student fellows with the Center for Political Participation and Andrew Goodman Foundation will be there to help you get to your assigned polling place.

Allegheny Protest and Assembly Policies

The College has safety and security plans in the event that outside organizations may hold marches or demonstrations on or near campus. These include:

Voting Rights and Election Procedures

Information about Voter Registration and Casting a Ballot in all 50 states – if you plan to vote in PA or any other state, you can look up the process you will need to follow using the link above.

2024 Voter’s Guide–Everything You Need to Register and Cast a Ballot

How to Register

How to Cast Your Ballot (In-Person, Absentee, and Mail-in Ballots)

NOTE: Your ballot must be received on Election Day. Ballots postmarked before Election Day, but not received until after will be thrown out. Make sure to mail back your ballot with ample time for the postal service to deliver it. We recommend returning your ballot by mail by October 29 (one week prior to Election Day). You can also return your ballot to the county election board of election office by 5pm on Election Day.

 

In-Person Voter Reminders

Whether you’re a first-time voter or just need a refresher, the information below will help!

  • First-time voters must show photo ID. Allegheny ID works, but bring a backup.
  • Polls operate from 7:00 am-8:00 pm, so stay in line if you came before 8:00 pm — you will get to vote!
  • You have the right to a provisional ballot!
  • Complaints or questions: 1-877-868-377 (Votes PA) or Voter Services (Crawford County, PA) 814-333-7307

What should I do if I see or experience voter intimidation?

  • If you fear imminent violence, call 9-1-1. Notify your local election official at your polling place. Document what you saw or experienced: what happened, where, and when, and whether any voters were deterred from voting.
  • Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Assistance is also available in Spanish at 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888- 839-8682), in Arabic at 844-YALLA-US (844-915-5187), and Asian languages at 888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683). A video American Sign Language line is available at 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683).
  • Multiple federal statutes make it a crime to intimidate voters: it is illegal to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a person, or attempt to do so, “for the purpose of interfering with” that person’s right “to vote or to vote as he may choose.” 18 U.S.C. § 594.
  • It is also a crime to knowingly and willfully intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person, or attempt to do so, for “registering to vote, or voting,” or for “urging or aiding” anyone to vote or register to vote. 52 U.S.C. § 20511(1).
  • And it is a crime to “by force or threat of force” willfully injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person because he or she is voting or has voted or “in order to intimidate” anyone from voting. 18 U.S.C. § 245(b)(1)(A).
  • Section 11 of the Voting Rights Act makes it unlawful to “intimidate, threaten, or coerce” another person, or attempt to do so, “for voting or attempting to vote” or “for urging or aiding any person to vote or attempt to vote.” 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b).
  • Section 2 of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 makes it unlawful for “two or more persons to conspire to prevent by force, intimidation, or threat,” any voter from casting a ballot for the candidate of his or her choice. 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3).
  • Here are some examples of conduct near polling sites that likely would constitute illegal voter intimidation:Violent behavior inside or outside the polling site
    • Verbal threats of violence
    • Confronting voters while wearing military-style or official-looking uniforms
    • Spreading false information about voter fraud, voting requirements, or related criminal penalties
    • Brandishing firearms or the intimidating display of firearms
    • Aggressively approaching voters’ vehicles or writing down voters’ license plate numbers
    • Disrupting voting lines or blocking the entrance to the polling place
    • Harassing voters, aggressively questioning them about their qualifications to vote
    • Following voters to, from, or within the polling place
  • PA Law regarding Voter Intimidation:
  • No person, when within the polling place, shall electioneer or solicit votes for any political party, political body or candidate, nor shall any written or printed matter be posted up within the said room, except as required by this act. All persons, except election officers, clerks, machine inspectors, overseers, watchers, persons in the course of voting, persons lawfully giving assistance to voters, and peace and police officers, when permitted by the provisions of this act, must remain at least ten (10) feet distant from the polling place during the progress of the voting. (Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 3060 (c); (d))

Adapted from Georgetown University

Voter Turnout Archive

Welcome to the Voter Turnout Archive (“VTA”), a project of the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College.

Voter turnout statistics provide valuable information that can be used to examine voter conduct, indicate the quality of elections and campaigns, and gauge the general health of the electorate. Despite the importance of these numbers, no public or private agency holds the role of collecting and storing these numbers for future analyses. The purpose of the VTA is to perform this function. Turnout statistics are a quick, accessible means of analyzing variations in political participation. The Voter Turnout Archive allows for easier access to turnout data and greater transparency of voting records.

VTA data files on this site provide voter turnout statistics at the municipality or township level for Western Pennsylvania counties. Our project is ongoing and will be updated as our data collection progresses.

Why Voter Turnout Statistics?

One of the most famous sayings in politics is that “all politics is local.” Information about one’s community can influence voters. Much of what happens in politics is due to how voters are presented with information about their own communities. Voter turnout statistics can help illustrate the subtle differences and political nuances existing in various municipalities.

Why Voter Turnout Statistics at a Fine Level?

The Census Bureau has voter turnout numbers for some counties, excluding much information. Even if counted, small counties can contain over fifty precincts, and each precinct may contain a different political culture, and thus, different voter turnout rates. By breaking down turnout statistics into smaller units of analyses, we are able to get a finer picture of voter behavior and the operation of local politics.

How we Collected This Data

Voter turnout data are difficult to acquire – often researchers must gather data county by county, or wait a few years after an election for turnout data from the Census Bureau. Even then, Census data is only an estimate. The Voter Turnout Archive provides easy access to actual, non-estimated turnout data and greater transparency of voting records.

We requested turnout statistics from numerous Pennsylvania Counties. Some counties, however, did not keep records of how many ballots were cast in each precinct. Rather, they had turnout numbers for each precinct broken down by office. In order to find the total turnout for each precinct, therefore, we combined the turnout numbers for each office, in each precinct. We used the office that contained the highest turnout because that number would be roughly equal to the total turnout as the most voters cast a ballot in that election.

Calculations and our Data Assumptions

To calculate voter turnout, we use the “Census Citizen Method,” as described by Lopez et al. We took the number of people voting in any given election divided by the municipality / township’s population of citizens aged 18 and over.

Population values at the municipality and township level for citizens aged 18 and over are available only for the decennial census years. For the years in between census collections, we estimated our population numbers evenly over the ten-year period, based on the population change from census to census.

 

(See Mark Hugo Lopez, Emily Kirby, Jared Sagoff, and Chris Herbst, “The Youth Vote 2004; With a Historical Look at Voting Patterns, 1972-2004.” Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) Working Paper 35, July 2005. https://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/WorkingPapers/WP35CIRCLE.pdf)

 

How to use this Data

Turnout statistics are in separate Microsoft Excel workbook files by County. For example, the workbook file named “butler.xls” contains three spreadsheets for Butler County, PA. The first spreadsheet, named “voter” contains raw numbers of how many people voted in a given election. The second spreadsheet, “pop” contains population numbers and estimates for all municipalities / townships in Butler County. The final spreadsheet, named “voter turnout %” contains voter turnout calculations, given as percentages, for each election for each municipality or township.

Other Voter Turnout Sites

American National Election Studies
Data on elections, political participation, and public opinion
www.electionstudies.org

 

CIRCLE
Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Information on the youth vote, young Americans’ political participation, and civic education
www.civicyouth.org

 

IDEA
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Global voter turnout numbers
www.idea.int

 

U.S. Census Bureau
Census voter turnout and registration statistics
https://www.census.gov/topics/public-sector/voting.html

 

USA Votenet
Voter turnout statistics by demographic group
https://www.electproject.org/home/voter-turnout/demographics

The Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College promotes interest and involvement in democratic life. The Voter Turnout Archive is a pilot project to calculate voter turnout statistics at the municipality or township level for all Pennsylvania counties. We are funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. 

The records were able to be collected because of the generosity and cooperation of the county election boards.

We gratefully acknowledge assistance on this project from the following County Boards of Elections: Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Lawrence, Somerset, Venango, and Washington. We thank Larry Sink of the U.S. Census Bureau and Daniel M. Shea, CPP Director, for helpful advice.

Melissa Kovacs, Ph.D., is the Voter Turnout Archive Project Director. Please contact her with questions or comments pertaining to the Voter Turnout Archive project at melissa.s.kovacs@gmail.com.

VTA workers include: Shannon Scotece, Ashlie Louie, Jaclyn Stallard, Mike Folk, Jennifer Berosh, Marco Attisano, Danielle Gray, Dan Conant, Ted Zimmer, and Dan Carik.