VoteSafe Pennsylvania aims to help voters access safe options for election

VoteSafe Pennsylvania has launched a statewide bipartisan campaign that aims to ensure every Pennsylvania voter has access to safe voting options for the November election.

The coalition is led by former Republican House Majority Leader Dave Reed and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, who also served as undersecretary and acting secretary of the U.S. Army. The movement was endorsed by all five of the commonwealth’s living former governors: Tom Corbett, Ed Rendell, Mark Schweiker, Tom Ridge and Dick Thornburgh.

As covid-19 threatens to disrupt traditional voting procedures, VoteSafe Pennsylvania is advocating for secure mail-in ballots and safe in-person voting sites. The group is also educating voters about what voting options are available to them, as this year marks the first time all Pennyslvania voters can vote via mail-in ballot.

“It is highly unlikely that polling locations will operate as usual in November, or that the voting experience will be anything close to normal, given the lingering effects of covid-19,” Reed said. “We need to do all we can to ensure Pennsylvania voters have accessible, secure mail-in ballots and safe, in-person voting sites. The health and safety of Pennsylvanians is paramount, so every voter feels protected and safe to participate in the upcoming General Election.”

While the group is working with health care experts to ensure in-person polling places are safe for voters in the midst of the pandemic, VoteSafe Pennsylvania is also advocating for secure mail-in voting.

The organization cited statistics showing that one in four Americans — or 31 million voters in 2018 — already vote by mail. Five states — Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington — conduct elections almost exclusively by mail and every state allows some form of absentee voting.

“Since the Civil War, members of our Armed Forces have consistently voted by mail. I have full confidence that our election officials are taking proactive steps to keep voters safe and ensure the integrity of our elections,” Murphy said. “Whether it’s an elderly grandparent, a loved one who is immunocompromised, or simply someone who is fearful about contracting covid-19, every Pennsylvanian needs to know they do not have to jeopardize their health to vote.”

In addition to the former governors, VoteSafe Pennsylvania has been endorsed by over 20 political figures and organizations representing a bipartisan spectrum, from former Rep. Phil English, a Republican from Erie, to former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy, a Democrat.

Julia Felton is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia at 724-226-7724, jfelton@triblive.com or via Twitter .