Are you registered to vote?
Did you vote today?
 
During election time, we are often asked these questions on the way to work, at the library, over the phone, and at driver's license centers. 
 
It is an exciting time, especially for new citizens who will be able to exercise their right to vote in the US for the first time. As new Pennsylvanians become citizens, they also take on new responsibilities, such as voting. 
 
However, please remember, if you are not a US citizen you cannot vote.  In Pennsylvania, when you are getting a driver's license or state ID card, you will often be asked if you want to register to vote. This is the "motor-voter" law signed a few years ago, to make it easier for Americans to register as voters. The staff at PennDOT asks everybody this question -- even immigrants who are not yet citizens.
 
But beware -- green card holders and other non-citizens are not allowed to vote! Even more importantly, if they register to vote, even by accident, it can jeopardize their chances of getting citizenship in the future.
 
For those who are US citizens, we encourage you to vote on November 4th. See below for information about casting your ballot in this year's presidential election.

 
How can I find out about the candidates?
The League of Women Voters provides nonpartisan information. You can also visit the website IssuesPA to find out more about the particular issues facing our state.

Where do I go to vote?
Your polling place location is listed on your voter registration card. If you have not received your card, contact your county board of elections. You can also visit www.votespa.com to locate your polling place address and directions. If you live in Philadelphia you can call the Committee of Seventy for your polling place location.

What should I bring with me to the polls?
If you are voting for the first time, you must bring photo ID such as a driver's license, Non-Driver Photo Identification Card, student ID, ID issued by any Commonwealth agency, ID issued by the U.S. Government, U.S. passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, Employee ID, or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. (Non-photo identification must include the voter's name and address).

What should I do if I need assistance while voting?
Voters who have limited English proficiency, who are disabled, or have physical limitations can ask for assistance at the polling place. Voters may also contact their county voter registration office before Election Day to ask for assistance.

What if I have a problem voting?
If your name does not appear in the poll book, or if you don't have proper identification, you can vote by using a provisional ballot (a paper ballot). To check if your vote was counted, call 1-877-VOTE PA three days after the election.

You can also contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Voting Section if you have problems voting. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800-253-3931.

Thank you for voting.

Philadelphia was
recently the launch site for a new national award, as Al Día newspaper presented the first Félix Valera National Award for Journalism to Claudia Núñez and Matt O'Brien.  This award, nicknamed the "Hispanic Pulitzer," is titled in honor of a Cuban-American intellectual who published one of the first Spanish-language newspapers in the US. 
 
The CEO and president of the Knight Foundation, Alberto Ibargüen, served as the principal speaker for the event. "Félix Varela is a perfect name for an award involving new community projects, growing communities and, above all, immigration issues, since the Cuban priest was a journalist who fulfilled a duty with the Irish immigrants in New York," said Ibargüen.
 
Hernán Guaracao, president of Al Dia, added:"The Hispanic press has contributed to the national dialogue for the last 200 years, since Father Félix Varela y Morales founded the first Spanish-language newspaper on the East Coast, in Philadelphia."
 
"Newspapers are critical in helping immigrants keep up with what is going on in their communities," says the Welcoming Center's Isabelle Rambo. "We are thrilled that Al Día is spotlighting high-quality journalism with this award."
 
The award is given to Spanish-language journalists or English-language journalists who write about Hispanic issues. The first recipients, Núñez and O'Brien, have both written about immigration. Each received $10,000. More information is available at the award website.

Many immigrants work in jobs with high risk of injury. The Welcoming Center recently received an announcement from
Philaposh, an organization that helps provide information about worker safety.

Philaposh explains:

Did something in this newsletter intrigue or inspire you? Please make a donation.

The Welcoming Center is able to provide services through the generous financial support of foundations, corporations, public agencies, and individuals.

We are a 501(c)3 organization and a member of United Way. Our United Way donor option number is 14726.

We appreciate donations at all levels. You can also make a donation via credit card through our website.

The official registration and financial information of Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.