FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
April 18, 2008 Commonwealth News Bureau
Department of State
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
CONTACT: Leslie Amorós
Rebecca Halton

HARRISBURG – A record number of Pennsylvanians have registered to vote in the commonwealth’s April 22 primary, according to the Department of State.

The state agency today announced a final tally of 8,328,123 registered voters. While that is a record for a primary election, the record for any election remains the 2004 general election, when 8,366,663 – or 38,540 more – Pennsylvanians were registered to vote.

“It is unprecedented for a primary election in Pennsylvania, and it is very exciting to see so many people want to participate in the electoral process,” Secretary of
the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés said.

Since January, 218,923 new voters have registered. Of those, 152,775 registered Democratic and 40,195 registered Republican.

Also since January, 164,026 registered voters changed their affiliation to Democratic and 14,887 changed to Republican. Pennsylvania’s voter registration form
does not require the registrant to specify from which party they are changing.

“Whether for the first time as a new voter, or for the first time with a different party, these numbers show a growing interest in participating in the April 22 primary
election,” Cortés said.

Geographically, the highest numbers of voter registration statistics came from Allegheny and Philadelphia counties; the lowest came from Forest and Cameron
counties.

By age group, the highest numbers of registered voters are between the ages of 45 and 54; the lowest are between 18 and 24 years old.

“We continue to work with all 67 counties so we are ready to provide an election that is fair, accurate and accessible for all Pennsylvanians,” Cortés said. “It is important that Pennsylvanians are prepared to head to the polls. Our Web site, VotesPA.com, is one way we are offering voters the information they need to make the most of their Election Day experience.”

VotesPA.com includes a listing of approved forms of identification for first-time voters, voting system demonstrations by county, and a polling place locator with driving directions.