State ramps up voter ID outreach

The Department of State ramped up its voter outreach efforts on Monday by enhancing VotesPA.com and launching it on Facebook and Twitter.

The effort is part on an ongoing marketing campaign by state officials to inform people about the new voter ID law, which requires voters to show a photo ID at the polls on Nov. 6.

VotesPA.com features a new layout to assist voters in finding information about which photo IDs are acceptable, and how to obtain a valid ID.

The website also has a "resource center" where voters can link to frequently asked questions about the voter ID law, voter registration, absentee and alternative ballots and location of polling places.

The information is available in both English and Spanish.

Secretary of State Carole Aichele said social media "will be especially helpful in reaching younger voters" and establishing a "forum" for learning about the voter ID law, which is being challenged in Commonwealth Court.

The PA voter outreach follows the launch last week of a free "Election Protection" mobile app for smartphones by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Washington.

The app enable voters to verify registration, look up polling places, access a FAQ and key dates for their state and other information in the palm of their hand. Go to 866ourvote.org for more info.

Contact Michael Hinkelman at 215-854-2656 or hinkelm@phillynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @mhinkelman.