There's something extraordinary about calling Pennsylvania home during an election year. To be at the epicenter of American democracy, where every vote carries the weight of history, is an unparalleled opportunity. In 2020, Pennsylvania didn't just participate in choosing the president — it was the decisive battleground where the votes determining the nation's trajectory amounted to fewer people than can fit in the MetLife Stadium. As we approach another pivotal election, our state once again finds itself in the global spotlight.
As someone who has always been interested in civic engagement and public participation in democracy, I was ecstatic when I first changed my voter registration my first year. Back home in Los Angeles, my vote would join millions of others in a reliably blue state. But here in Pennsylvania, where elections can hinge on a handful of votes per precinct, every ballot takes on profound significance. The decision to change my registration wasn't just about electoral strategy — it was about embracing my role as a member of the Philadelphia community.
As Penn students, we have the unique opportunity to make our voices heard in one of the most consequential battleground states in America. Pennsylvania has been decided by razor-thin margins in recent presidential elections, with just 80,555 votes determining the outcome in 2020. While many of us maintain close ties to our home states, the reality is that our votes may have far greater impact here in Pennsylvania.
Living in University City means we're not just temporary visitors — we're Pennsylvania residents for most of the year. We walk these streets, support local businesses, and are directly affected by state and local policies. Pennsylvania election law clearly states that college students can register to vote using their school address. The process is simple (though the deadline has already passed): You can register online in just a few minutes through the Pennsylvania Department of State website or sign up with the many Penn students canvassing on Locust Walk.
Even from across the Atlantic in London, where I'm studying abroad this semester, my commitment to Pennsylvania democracy remains steadfast. I began my voting journey months ahead by requesting an absentee ballot using my Penn campus address. The process, while detailed, proved straightforward with proper guidance. My first step came on Aug. 1, when the Penn Abroad office directed me to the Center for U.S. Voters Abroad. There, I completed the Federal Post Card Application — a digital form essential for United States citizens voting from overseas — and submitted it to my county's election specialist.
The process moved efficiently from there: The Philadelphia County Election Office verified and approved my registration on Aug. 28. Right on schedule, 46 days before Election Day on Sep. 20, the Pennsylvania Department of State emailed me comprehensive instructions for accessing and submitting my ballot. A separate email contained my secure, password-protected electronic ballot and related materials. Following the detailed instructions, I printed my ballot, cast my vote, and carefully prepared it for international shipping using the provided, prepaid envelope.
Knowing that absentee ballots must reach the county election office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, I mailed mine well in advance on Oct. 16. My civic duty was complete when, on Oct. 24, I received confirmation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that my ballot had been received and processed — proof that distance need not prevent democratic participation.
Casting my vote from a London flat, an ocean away from Philadelphia, was a uniquely powerful experience. Though the process demanded careful attention to detail, the clear instructions made navigating the international voting procedure surprisingly manageable. The physical distance from Pennsylvania — some 3,500 miles — only strengthened my resolve to participate in this pivotal democratic moment.
If I could ensure my voice was heard from across the Atlantic, then I hope you'll feel inspired to take that short walk to your designated polling location, whether it's Houston Hall or ARCH, to exercise your own right to vote. After all, democracy thrives on participation, whether from across the ocean or just across campus.
As young voters, we will live with the consequences of these decisions for decades to come. And as Pennsylvania residents for most of the year, we have both the right and opportunity to make our voices heard in this crucial swing state. Don't let this chance to participate in such a consequential election pass you by — vote in Pennsylvania today and be part of shaping our nation's future.
SOSE HOVANNISIAN is a College junior majoring in communication and minoring in history and consumer psychology from Los Angeles. Her email is sosehova@sas.upenn.edu.
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