Voter Registration Deadline is Monday, May 1st!

Are you registered to vote for the upcoming May 16th Primary Election? To vote in Pennsylvania, you must be registered to vote at least 15 days before the election, making May 1st the last day to register!

There are four ways to register to vote in Pennsylvania:

• Online
• By mail
• In person at your county voter registration office
• At PennDOT and some other government agencies

If you are already registered to vote in Pennsylvania, you do not have to register again unless you need to change your name, address, or political party.

• How to update your registration
• Check to see if you are registered to vote
• Notify the county where you are registered if you move out of state

For more information on Pennsylvania voter registration visit Voter Registration Homepage.

Poll Workers Needed!

The Allegheny County Elections Division is looking for poll workers for the May 16, 2023 Primary Election! Demonstrate your civic participation by serving on Election Day as a Judge, Inspector or Clerk of Election. Poll workers, also referred to as election officers, earn from $150 to $175 for the day. New poll workers also receive paid training.

Our elections are made possible by thousands of regular citizens serving as poll workers. Click here to learn more!

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Spring Thunderstorm Readiness

April 19th to 23rd is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. Although thunderstorms can happen any time of the year, as the seasons change to spring and summer, thunderstorms become more frequent. Thunderstorm hazards include tornadoes, damaging wind, large hail, flooding rain, and lightning. The National Weather Service issues “watches'' and “warnings” for these storms when there is a potential threat to life or property.

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued for a large geographical area (multiple counties) over a several-hour period when conditions are ripe for severe weather. All the ingredients for severe weather are present if a watch is issued, but storms have yet to form or have not reached the watch area. You should prepare for the onset of the storm to occur within a few hours.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for smaller geographic areas and for a shorter period of time (about an hour) when a thunderstorm is imminent. Severe thunderstorms are warned when a storm is capable of producing any one of the following: winds in excess of 58 mph, hail greater than one-inch in diameter, or a potential tornado. Note, lightning is not warned, as it is an indirect hazard of any thunderstorm. Take severe thunderstorm warnings seriously!

ReadyPA, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s emergency preparedness information resource, recommends the following before, during, and after a thunderstorm:

Before:

• Know where you live, work, and travel most often. Severe weather alerts are issued by geographic regions.
• Have at least two methods to receive severe weather alerts, such as a cell phone, TV, NOAA Weather Radio.
• Monitor the forecast regularly to plan activities around storms.

During:

• If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter indoors as quickly as possible.
• Move to the lowest floor and avoid windows, plumbing, and corded electronics.
• If stuck outdoors, avoid tall objects such as trees and radio towers, seek the nearest enclosed shelter.

After:

• Monitor a source of weather information and don’t go back outdoors until it’s deemed safe (at least one-half hour after the last rumble of thunder).
• Check on family members and neighbors to see if they are ok or need assistance.
• Assess damages and report any life-threatening issues to 9-1-1. Take photos and report other damages to the NWS and insurance if necessary.
• Avoid walking through any damaged areas and stay away from flood waters or downed utilities.

To subscribe to ReadyPA’s newsletter or read more about emergency preparedness in Pennsylvania click here. Stay safe this spring!

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Do You Know About the Kingsley Association’s Resource Navigation Center?

Our office offers Community Office Hours at the Kingsley Association in East Liberty on the first Friday of every month so we can bring direct constituent services and state resources into the community. If you missed us on April 7th and need support navigating community resources, you don’t have to wait for us to be there again on May 5th!

The Kingsley Association now has a Resource Navigation Center that offers referrals to a variety of services and organizations including housing assistance, basic needs, education and employment services, community and family programs, health resources, and financial services. From rental and mortgage assistance to parenting classes, mental health resources to financial literacy and credit repair, they have you covered. Visit the Resource Navigation Center and get started bridging the gap between you and the resources you need!

The Kingsley Association: 6435 Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

P: (412) 661-8751 E: [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday closed.

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Financial Literacy Can Be Fun!

The Financial Empowerment Center offers free financial counseling to anyone in Allegheny County over the age of 18 and they are hosting a financial literacy trivia night Monday, April 24th from 7 pm - 9 pm at the 5801 Video Lounge, 5801 Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside. Test your financial savvy and learn some useful tips while having a great time!

Register at Financial Literacy Trivia Night (office.com).