O'PAKE URGES CITIZENS TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR APRIL 22 PA PRIMARY

         Harrisburg, March 6, 2008 -- As Pennsylvania is now positioned to play a pivotal role in choosing one of the major political party's presidential nominees, Senator Michael A. O'Pake (D-Berks) today advised Berks County's citizens of a fast-approaching March 24 deadline to register to vote in the April 22 Pennsylvania Primary.
         "As the eyes of the nation are now focused our way, this is an exciting and historic time for our state," said Senator O'Pake (D-Berks), the state Senate Democratic Whip.  "But, you can't be a part of this important decision unless you're registered to vote and then exercise that right, privilege and responsibility," he said.
         O'Pake said the March 24 voter registration deadline is also the deadline for anyone wishing to change political party affiliation for the April 22 Primary.  In order to register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must be a United States citizen and Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least 18 years of age on the date of the election.
         O'Pake said voter registration forms are readily available at his district office at 1940 North 13^th Street, Suite 232, Reading, at the Berks County Elections Services Center at 633 Court Street, Reading, and at most post offices, libraries and municipal buildings.  The voter registration application is also easily accessible in a downloadable and printable form online via a link on the Senator's website at www.senator-opake.com.          
         Berks County residents wishing to verify their existing voter registration and/or party affiliation may contact the Berks County Elections Services Department at 610-478-6490.  Registered voters who will be out of town on the day of the election or who, because of illness or disability, will not be able to make it to the polls on election day may vote by absentee ballot.  The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the April 22 Primary is April 15.  Absentee ballot applications are available at the Senator's district office.  The Senator's district office telephone number is 610-929-2151.

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