Pennsylvania votes on April 22nd. But Pennsylvania will be won in the next two weeks. Because Pennsylvania's primary is closed to registered Democrats only. This is likely a disadvantage for Barack Obama as he performs better in races in which Independents can vote.
Here's the good news: Independents (and Republicans) can vote in the Pennsylvania primary - if they change their party affiliation to Democrat by March 24th.
And the bad news: I was canvassing in New Hope, PA this weekend. No one knows this is the rule.
Please rec this diary up because this is critical information for actually winning Pennsylvania - and Obama CAN WIN Pennsylvania. Because:
- There are basically more colleges in Pennsylvania than there are people. From Penn State, to Bucknell, Lehigh, Pitt, Temple, Drexel, Villanova and Lafayette, to the small schools scattered about like F&M, Swarthmore, Haverford, Muhlenberg and Widener. Let's get these students registered to participate!
- As per the NY Times, Pennsylvania is not Ohio. Pennsylvania's economy is in good shape, especially around Philadelphia.
- Double digit African American electorate. (18%, I think).
Obama will have 45 days to campaign there. And he'll kick ass as usual but it's all for nothing if the Independents and college kids are not able to stand for change on election day.
Here is a link to the official voter registration form - you can print it out and sign it from here, then mail it in:
https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa...
OR
https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa...
And I will be reposting this diary for the next two weeks until it gets on the recommended list. This means everything right now. There is no in sense waiting until April to campaign in Pennsylvania if our people cannot vote on election day.
Change
The
World.
What else is there to do in in March?
[UPDATE3 8:00PM] Clarification - you cannot simply file this online. You must print a paper copy, sign it and mail it. Signature is required! Thanks to those who pointed this out.