Pitt and Pennsylvania Department of State Host Everyone votesPA Sept. 27

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of State and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés to host Everyone votesPA, a nonpartisan voter registration and engagement event, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the Connolly Ballroom on the first floor of Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

The event will include a presentation from Secretary of State Cortés, remarks by Pitt senior and University of Pittsburgh Student Government Board President Natalie Dall and Vice Chancellor for Community and Governmental Relations Paul Supowitz, a step-by-step guide for voter registration, and an opportunity to register to vote and network with local leaders, community members, and students.

“The Department of State is enthusiastic to partner with institutions of higher learning like the University of Pittsburgh to encourage all eligible college students to register to vote and show up at the polls," said Secretary Cortés. “This is a historic election year. It is important that all eligible citizens be informed and let their voices be heard.”

This event is cohosted by the University of Pittsburgh Student Government Board, Pitt Advocates, and the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education. In addition to Pitt students and leadership, community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from all PCHE schools are expected to attend.

“This event will be a fantastic opportunity for students not only to learn about how to vote and why it’s important but also to network with the officials who represent them at local and state levels. We hope that this will also encourage students to vote for more than just the office of the president this upcoming November, as there are several important positions going up for re-election that people may not be aware of,” said Dall.

This event coincides with National Voter Registration Day, which is set for the fourth Tuesday of September by resolution of the National Association of Secretaries of State. While this event is targeted toward students, who are frequently in the age group least likely to register to vote and head to the polls, it is open to the public.

“Pitt has an extraordinary high level of civic engagement. Our students are passionate about the world around them,” said Supowitz. “It’s important to show students that their vote matters and to ensure they have the information and resources needed to make their voices heard. We work hard every year to make sure that is the case, and couldn’t be more pleased that Secretary Cortés will be joining us to reinforce those messages.”

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9/23/16/klf/jm