Philadelphia’s oldest and youngest voters urge residents to register to vote this week.

As the October 20 deadline approaches for voter registration in Pennsylvania, Carlotta Fareira, a 93-year-old resident of Germantown, emphasizes the importance of civic participation. Fareira has exercised her right to vote in every election since she became eligible at the age of 21, prior to the ratification of the 26th Amendment which lowered the voting age to 18. With the general election scheduled for November 4, she urges her fellow citizens to affirm their participation in the democratic process by registering to vote.

Fareira, a retired schoolteacher, reflects on the excitement of past elections, noting that it was common for families to bring children to the polls, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Standing alongside her is Caleem Spurgeon, an 18-year-old senior at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, preparing to cast his ballot for the first time. Spurgeon emphasizes that voting is not only a right but also a significant responsibility, asserting the need for his generation to influence issues that directly impact their lives, such as education and public safety.

Despite widespread support for democratic principles among young Americans, only 25% of 18-year-olds in Pennsylvania are currently registered to vote. This statistic underscores the urgency of voter registration initiatives as officials and community leaders gather to advocate for higher electoral engagement. With less than three weeks remaining until the election, state and local officials stress the importance of registering before the looming deadline.

City Commissioner Seth Bluestein noted the necessity for voters to verify their registration status, particularly if they have recently moved or wish to change their party affiliation. To facilitate this process, he urged residents to take action before the October 20 cutoff.

A coalition of officials, including Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, convened to bolster voter registration efforts. They encourage residents to register and ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.

Residents can register online, by mail, or in person at various locations including the Voter Registration Office, local libraries, and state government offices. Eligibility requirements include being a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the election and a resident of Philadelphia for at least 30 days.

As the electoral deadline nears, the call for civic engagement echoes throughout the city, reminding Pennsylvanians of their essential role in shaping the future.