Government aims to boost turnout and engagement with new system of voter registration text messaging

From the Pennsylvania Department of State:

Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Pennsylvania Department of State today launched 2Vote, a new voter registration text messaging service. “Accessing the online registration site, and helpful tools for voters, is now one short text away,” said Governor Wolf.

Eligible Pennsylvania citizens can text the word “PA” to “2Vote” (28683) on their smartphones. The user will receive a link that provides direct access to the online voter registration application, voter registration status, polling place locator and link to contacts for county offices and the Department of State. The Department is launching this service as part of its Everyone votesPA education initiative, that was introduced in March.

“The 2vote platform provides potential voters with fast and easy access to the Department’s voter education tools,” Secretary Cortés said. “Staying on trend allows us to reach younger voters and provide information at the speed they have come to expect.”

The text message link also provides users with important dates and deadlines significant to the November 8 general election. Standard messaging rates may apply.

The Department worked with the technology firm, Global Mobile, to develop a service that would work best for Pennsylvania. The 2vote technology option is the latest in election innovation from the Department of State. The 2vote text service supplements the Department’s effort to increase voter participation and engagement.

Approximately 2 million eligible Pennsylvanians are not registered to vote, according to U.S. Census and Department of State statistics.

The voter registration deadline for the November general election is October 11.