John,

As Pennsylvania youth are getting ready to return to school, it’s crucial we keep their civic engagement in mind. According to The Civics Center, low voter registration rates among 18-year-olds are found in the most populous areas of the Commonwealth. According to their findings, the overall voter registration rate for 18-year-olds in the collar counties of Philadelphia and the city itself is 17%. Additionally, school districts in Pittsburgh showed a 15% registration rate.

We cannot afford to sleep on the youth vote. According to PoliticsPA, in the 2022 Pennsylvania elections, nearly 1 in 3 voters between the ages of 18-29 turned out to cast a ballot. However, we cannot take those numbers for granted, especially as we gear up for the General Election on November 7th.

It’s no secret: Low youth participation is disastrous for our democracy and young people alike. That’s why we center the youth (17-35) in our work and will be out on the ground conducting voter registration and civic education in several high schools, college campuses and universities all across Pennsylvania. Our staff speaks directly to students, listens to what they have to say, and ensures they have the information they need to make their voices heard to vote their values at the ballot box.

Centering and empowering young constituents is one of the New Pennsylvania Project’s top priorities. Will you chip in $25 right now to help us register young voters and ensure they have what they need to participate in our democracy?