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The League of Women Voter of Pennsylvania, along with the Brennan Center for Justice, is part of a conversation today on safety at the polls ahead of the general election. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

As the November 5 general election fast approaches, there's a push for more voter education in the Keystone State. It's National Voter Registration …

La Liga de Mujeres Votantes de Pensilvania, junto con el Brennan Center for Justice, es parte de una conversaci�n hoy sobre la seguridad en las urnas antes de las elecciones generales. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Grupos de PA educan a votantes sobre fechas límite, registro y boletas por correo

A medida que se acercan rápidamente las elecciones generales del 5 de noviembre, hay un impulso para una mayor educación de los votantes en …

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

Los costos de atenci�n m�dica para personas con discapacidad en Pensilvania son m�s de $41.000 millones por a�o, o hasta el 37% del gasto en atenci�n m�dica del estado, seg�n el CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Acceso para todos: facilitar la votación para residentes de PA con discapacidades

La Semana del Derecho al Voto de las Personas con Discapacidad es un llamado a la acción anual que ocurre durante la segunda semana de septiembre…

In the Keystone State, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the Nov. 5 election. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

In a weekend turn of events that some saw as shocking, President Joe Biden told the nation he's dropping out of the presidential race rather than …

En el estado de Keystone, el 21 de octubre es el �ltimo d�a para registrarse para votar antes de las elecciones del 5 de noviembre. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)<br />

Un llamado a reducir la retórica política y abrazar la oración, la paz y la unidad

En un giro de acontecimientos que algunos vieron como impactante este fin de semana, el presidente Joe Biden dijo a la nación que abandona la …

(In)Accessible: 'When vanlife meets abortion access '

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile van brings reproductive resources to communities across Western Pennsylvania. A new podcast, called "(In)Accessible,…

Despite efforts to move the Pennsylvania primary to March to avoid a conflict with Passover, the date remains set for April 23 since House Bill 1634 didn't receive enough votes to pass.(Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Bills would open PA primaries to unaffiliated voters

Pennsylvania is one of only seven states that shuts out independent voters from voting in primary elections. Two bills proposing to open the …

A pesar de los esfuerzos por trasladar las primarias de Pensilvania a marzo para evitar un conflicto con el Passover, la fecha sigue para el 23 de abril, ya que el proyecto de ley 1634 de la C�mara de Representantes no recibi� suficientes votos para ser aprobado.(Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Proyectos de ley abrirían primarias de PA a votantes no afiliados

Pensilvania es uno de los siete estados que impide a los votantes independientes votar en las elecciones primarias. Dos proyectos de ley que …

New Jersey's Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act requires a physician to determine whether the patient is a New Jersey resident before writing a prescription for the medication. (Jon Anders Wiken/Adobe Stock)

Some Terminally Ill PA Patients Seek Medical Aid Across State Lines

Some Pennsylvania patients with long-term chronic illnesses are hoping to make legal headway, allowing them to seek medical aid in dying across state …

In 2022, the FBI noted that American Jews account for 2.4% of the U.S. population, but antisemitism drove 63% of reported religiously motivated hate crimes. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Pennsylvania Takes Stand Against Antisemitism

Pennsylvania, like many other states, has not been immune to the recent wave of antisemitic acts and rhetoric - and the state is working to prevent …

The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, according to Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Teaming Up to Tackle Redistricting Reform in PA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling yesterday about making voting maps more fair in Alabama gives new hope to groups in Pennsylvania that have teamed up to …

El gobierno federal estipula que los distritos deben tener poblaciones casi iguales y no deben discriminar por motivos de raza u origen �tnico, seg�n Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Equipo aborda reforma de redistribución de distritos en PA

La sentencia dictada el jueves por el Tribunal Supremo de EE.UU. para hacer más equitativos los mapas electorales de Alabama da nuevas …

In Pennsylvania, one of the voting requirements is that you will need to be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal or general election. (Andrey Popov/AdobeStock)

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

As the municipal primary election fast approaches, the Community College of Philadelphia is continuing to educate students on the importance of voter …

En Pensilvania, uno de los requisitos para votar es tener al menos 18 a�os de edad antes del d�a de la pr�xima elecci�n primaria, especial, municipal o general. (Andr�i Popov/AdobeStock)

Colegio de Filadelfia Designado como Campus Amigable para Votantes

A medida que se acerca rápidamente la elección primaria municipal, el Colegio Comunitario de Philadelfia continúa educando a los …

Pennsylvania voters also have the option of voting at the polls on May 16, provided they have not already voted by mail ballot. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tsado/AdobeStock)

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

With fewer than two weeks until the municipal primary election, Pennsylvanians planning to vote by mail ballot will need to apply online or in person …

Civil rights organizations have said they believe the IHRA's definition of antisemitism and its

Palestinian Advocates Applaud New Info from U.S. Education Dept.

The U.S. Department of Education has a new fact sheet about religious discrimination from its Office for Civil Rights, and Palestinian advocates are …

Voters in Pittsburgh-area districts 32, 34 and 35 will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Group Continues Calls for Better Legislative Rules in PA

While the Pennsylvania House is still out of session and won't resume until late February, the public and advocacy groups are voicing their concerns…

Los votantes de los distritos 32, 34 y 35 del �rea de Pittsburgh acudir�n a las urnas el martes para llenar tres vacantes en la C�mara de Representantes de Pensilvania. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Grupo continúa pidiendo mejores reglas legislativas en PA

Si bien la Cámara de Pensilvania aún está fuera de sesión y no se reanudará hasta fines de febrero, el público y los …

Senate Bill 1277 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly would require parental notification of content and materials that expose students to sexually explicit content in schools. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Group Advocates for Inclusive Schools in Keystone State

A Pennsylvania group has responded to what it says are "discriminatory policy proposals in the state education system" by launching the "Inclusive Sch…

Los residentes de Pensilvania que votan por primera vez deben proporcionar una prueba de identificaci�n, como una licencia de conducir de Pensilvania o una tarjeta de identificaci�n de PennDOT. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

Ya está aquí: el registro de votantes de Pensilvania es hoy

En Pensilvania, hoy es el último día para registrarse para votar o actualizar su registro de votante antes de las elecciones de medio …

Pennsylvanians voting for the first time must provide proof of identification, such as a Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

It's Here: PA Voter Registration is Today

In Pennsylvania, today is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration before the November 8 midterm election. You have until …

According to a 2021 report, defendants in about half of all criminal cases in Pennsylvania had counsel provided by a public defender. (Adobe Stock)

New Bill Would Fund PA's Ailing Public Defender System

A new bill in Pennsylvania would provide money for public defenders, who say they're struggling to take on the cases of people charged with crimes …

Gov. Tom Wolf said of a tougher gift ban, "That new standard of accountability remains an important step to restore faith in government and has worked successfully for more than seven years." (Mandritoiu/Adobe Stock)">

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

Pennsylvania law allows an elected official to accept a gift - including cash - as long as it's disclosed in annual reports. But that raises some …

En octubre de 2021, el gobernador Tom Wolf coment� sobre una prohibici�n de obsequios m�s estricta:

Grupo aumenta presión para aprobar ley de prohibición de obsequios en PA

La ley de Pensilvania permite que un funcionario electo acepte un obsequio, incluso dinero en efectivo, siempre que se informe en los reportes …

In Pennsylvania's Nov. 8 General Election, voters will decide races for governor, U.S. House and Senate, and several state offices. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Public Hearing Set to Allow Independents to Vote in PA Primaries

Opening up Pennsylvania's primary elections to voters who aren't registered either as Democrats or Republicans is the topic of a State House of Repres…

En las elecciones generales del 8 de noviembre en Pensilvania, los votantes decidir�n las carreras para gobernador, la C�mara y el Senado de EE. UU. y varios cargos estatales. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Prevista audiencia que permitirá a independientes votar en primarias de PA

Abrir las elecciones primarias de Pensilvania a votantes que no están registrados como demócratas o republicanos es el tema de una audiencia…

Abortions are still legal in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. (TRAC1/Adobe Stock)

PA Groups' Call to Action for Reproductive Rights

The battle rages on after last month's last-minute move in the Pennsylvania Senate to include anti-abortion language in a budget bill, as well as …

Pennsylvania ranks 45th in the nation for the share of K-12 school funding provided by the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Special Education Funding Leaves Students Behind

As the number of Pennsylvania students with disabilities rises, a new report says the share of state education funding has declined. Education …

Pennsylvania's Act 77 established no-excuse voting by mail in 2019. Since the 2020 election, it has faced legal challenges from some Republicans, who say it violates the state constitution. It awaits a decision by the state Supreme Court and remains in place for now. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of PA Primary, Officials Share Election Day Tips

Pennsylvania's primary is four days away, and state election officials want to remind people of the different ways they can vote. More than 8.7 …

Gov. Tom Wolf, lawmakers and reproductive-rights advocates gathered at Independence Mall in Philadelphia Wednesday in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. (Commonwealth Media Services)

PA Officials, Advocates Rally for Abortion Access After Leaked SCOTUS Draft

Advocates from Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania and state officials gathered in Philadelphia Wednesday to stand firm on protecting abortion access…

Pennsylvania saw 76.5% of registered voters turn out during the 2020 general election, according to the Department of State. (Adobe Stock)

1 Vote Counts: Harrisburg Group Aims to Increase Voter Participation

A civic-engagement organization based in Harrisburg is hoping to increase voter turnout in Pennsylvania's capital city through education and meeting p…

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission, which selects state House and Senate maps, is made up of two Republican and two Democrat lawmakers, along with one nonpartisan chair. (Adobe Stock)

House, Senate Redistricting Comes to a Close in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, rejected legal challenges to new state House and Senate maps last week, finalizing the …

Some Pennsylvania school districts named in the lawsuit say they need nearly $5,000 more per student to reach the state's benchmark for adequate education funding. (Adobe Stock)

Petitioners Wrap Up Witness Testimony in PA School-Funding Suit

Pennsylvania's landmark school-funding lawsuit enters a new phase today, as petitioners in the case called their final witnesses last week. After …

Public hearings are expected to be held in early January for Pennsylvanians to provide feedback on the proposed House and Senate voting-district maps. (Adobe Stock)

PA Redistricting Commission Unveils House, Senate Map Proposals

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission has voted on its proposals for state House and Senate voting-district maps. Good-government …

Se espera que se celebren audiencias p�blicas a principios de enero para que los residentes de Pensilvania proporcionen comentarios sobre los mapas de distritos electorales propuestos para la C�mara y el Senado. (Adobe Stock)

Comisión de Redistribución de Distritos Revela Propuestas de Mapas

La Comisión de Redistribución Legislativa de Pensilvania ha votado sus propuestas de mapas de distritos electorales de la Cámara de Rep…

The school-funding lawsuit will be heard in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg and is expected to run through December. (Wikimedia Commons)

PA Education Advocates Rally at Capitol Ahead of School Funding Trial

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With nearly two weeks to go until the Commonwealth Court hears arguments about whether Pennsylvania's school funding system is …

La Comisi�n para la Redistribuci�n de Distritos Legislativos de Pensilvania ha celebrado hasta ahora tres audiencias p�blicas para reunir la opini�n de los residentes sobre el proceso de redistribuci�n de distritos. (Adobe Stock)

Consejo Asesor para Redistribución de Distritos ayudará a prevenir Gerrymandering en PA

HARRRISBURG, PA - Un nuevo Consejo Asesor para Redistribución de Distritos anunciado la semana pasada por la oficina del Gobernador Tom Wolf…

People confined in Pennsylvania jails are eligible to vote as long as they are not currently serving time for a felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Lacks Universal Policy for Voting in Jails

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Many Pennsylvania county jails don't have clear policies to support voting access for people in jails, according to a new report …

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission has held public hearings in Harrisburg to gather input on redistricting based on 2020 census results. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Call for Public Comment to Be Part of Census Redistricting

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's population has grown to more than 13 million, according to new census data - and as the mapmaking process gets under …

In Pennsylvania, if you're in prison in connection to a misdemeanor or parole violation, you are still eligible to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Petition Calls for an End to Prison Gerrymandering in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania should get some 2020 Census data this summer, to be used in the redistricting process. But some groups want the state …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

Research shows unequal application of school discipline is due to different treatment, not different behavior by students. (MIA Studio/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights PA School Discipline Disparities

PHILADELPHIA -- A report to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission recommends banning exclusionary discipline for nonviolent offenses in Pennsylvania …

Brandi Levy was punished by her school for a message she sent to friends while she was away from school. (Photo: Danna Singer/ACLU)

Supreme Court to Hear Student Free-Speech Case

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Can a school discipline students for things they say outside of school? The U.S. Supreme Court will consider the question …

Advocates fear politicized appellate court judicial elections would put civil rights and liberties in jeopardy. (md3d/Adobe Stock)

Judicial Districts Amendment Faces Bipartisan Skepticism

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A proposed amendment to Pennsylvania's state constitution that would create judicial districts for the election of appellate court …

COVID-driven unemployment has left millions of tenants nationwide thousands of dollars behind in rent. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

Biden Eviction Moratorium Called "Good Start"

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As an estimated 230,000 Pennsylvania families face possible eviction, civil-rights advocates say President Joe Biden's executive …

Republicans contesting one county's counting of some ballots had refused to seat Jim Brewster in the Pennsylvania state Senate. (kmlPhoto/Adobe Stock)

PA State Senator to be Seated After Ballot-Counting Dispute

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Jim Brewster will be sworn in as a state senator today, ending a dispute over counting ballots in Allegheny County. The U.S…

A 73-word ballot question proposed multiple changes to the state constitution. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Court Rejects Marsy’s Law Ballot Question

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A question on Pennsylvania's state ballot in 2019 proposing sweeping changes to the state constitution has been ruled …

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PA: Civil Rights