What to know about the upcoming municipal election in State College

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - In recent years, encouraging voter registration has significantly increased at the federal level. In 2016, 8.7 million people registered to vote for the Presidential Election in PA and in 2020, that number jumped up to just over nine million (PA.gov).

Presidential Elections are not the only time that elections are important. Local elections mean a lot as well, especially in a college town like State College.

Because most college students are now in a different environment than the one they lived in previously, they may feel things need to be changed. This happens through local government. While it may seem small, it makes a huge difference.

Local government impacts things you might see more in day-to-day life. With most Penn State students living in State College from August to May, that is a lot of time.

There are thousands of students that pack the Penn State campus each year and the majority of them are eligible to vote. In fact, there are only three requirements to be able to vote in State College.

For one, any citizen of the United States is eligible to vote. As long as they have been a citizen for at least one month prior to the election. They also must be residents of the state and in the election district where they reside.

With enrollment at Penn State, most students do qualify for the residency title. Additionally, anyone wanting to vote must be above the age of 18 in order to do so.

Elections, no matter how big or small, are part of one's civic duty. Whether you register in person, through the mail, or online, it is important to do so.

The last day to register to vote for the upcoming Municipal Election in State College is May 5, as voting takes place on May 20. For more information, please visit Voter Registration | Centre County, PA - Official Website

Jennae Overton is a first-year student studying community, environment, development and broadcast journalism. To contact her, email jco5323@psu.edu.