Harrisburg Wants You Involved

Why Harrisburg Needs You at the Ballot Box

Harrisburg is a city of hardworking people, strong families, and a rich history of resilience. But despite our shared hopes for a better future, too many of us aren’t showing up when it matters most—on Election Day.

Local elections in Harrisburg have some of the lowest voter participation rates in the country, yet these are the elections that impact our daily lives the most. From public safety to economic growth, from affordable housing to neighborhood development—every major decision shaping our city starts with the leaders we elect locally. But when turnout is low, a small fraction of the city ends up making the decisions that affect all of us.

If you’ve ever wondered why Harrisburg still struggles with the same problems year after year, one of the biggest reasons is this: not enough of us are participating in the process to demand change.

The Power of Local Elections Cannot Be Under Estimated & That is Why They Matter More Than You Think

Many people believe that presidential elections are the most important, but the reality is that local government decisions influence your daily life even more.

The roads you drive on, the safety of your neighborhood, the funding for schools, and the growth of small businesses—all of these are decided by local elected officials. And yet, these elections consistently see the lowest voter turnout, often with less than 30% of eligible voters showing up. That means most of Harrisburg isn’t even at the table when decisions about our future are being made.

Think about it: How can we expect real change if most of us don’t have a say in who leads us?

Harrisburg has been plagued by economic stagnation, rising crime, and limited opportunities for young people. We see it, we talk about it, but real change only happens when we elect leaders who are willing to take action. That starts with voter participation.

Attend an upcoming community event on February 15, 2025 where we will share our strategic approach get on the Ballot. Get Details Here!

Why Aren’t More People Voting?

The reasons people give for not voting in local elections are common, but they often don’t hold up when we take a closer look:

• "My vote won’t make a difference."
  This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Local races are often decided by just a few hundred votes. In some cases, the margin has been even smaller. Your vote is powerful.
  

• "I don’t know enough about the candidates."
  Information is more accessible than ever. Candidates are constantly sharing their plans through debates, social media, and community events. A few minutes of research can help you make an informed decision.
  

• "I don’t have time."
  Voting has never been easier. Between early voting, mail-in ballots, and short wait times at polling stations, it takes less time to vote than it does to order a coffee.
  

• "Local elections don’t affect me."
  This couldn’t be further from the truth. The mayor, city council, and other elected officials make decisions about crime prevention, jobs, business growth, education, and housing. These decisions affect your neighborhood, your family, and your future.

Harrisburg’s Future Depends on All of Us

The challenges Harrisburg faces today weren’t created overnight, and they won’t be solved overnight. But one thing is clear: if we want change, we have to participate in the process.

Think about the kind of city you want to live in. One where businesses thrive, where families feel safe, where young people have opportunities, and where we take pride in our community. That future is possible, but only if we elect leaders who share that vision.

This isn’t about party lines or political preferences—it’s about engaging in our civic duty to shape the future of Harrisburg. The more people vote, the more accountable our leaders become, and the stronger our city will be. Find out what is needed for you to get registered Here!

How to Register & Make Your Voice Heard

Getting involved in the election process is easy. Here’s how you can take action right now:

📌 Check Your Voter Registration: Visit PA Voter Services to confirm your registration or update your information.
📌 Register to Vote: If you haven’t registered yet, don’t wait. The deadline is May 5, 2025.
📌 Find Your Polling Place: Look up where to vote at Dauphin County’s Polling Place Locator.
📌 Make a Plan to Vote: Whether in-person or by mail, setting a plan increases the chance that you’ll follow through.

Harrisburg Deserves a Say – Step Up & Vote!

Harrisburg is filled with passionate, hardworking people who care about this city’s future. But caring isn’t enough—we must take action.

Your vote is your voice. It’s time to use it.

• Pennsylvania Department of State – www.PAVoterServices.pa.gov

• Dauphin County Voter Registration – www.dauphincounty.gov

• U.S. Election Assistance Commission – www.eac.gov

• Nonprofit VOTE – www.nonprofitvote.org