Your Vote Matters

For victims and survivors of crime, access to advocacy, counseling, emergency assistance, legal support, and other vital services can be an essential part of the healing and recovery process. Yet, these services rely heavily on funding and policy decisions made by elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Voting is one powerful way to make your voice heard! 

• Official Portal: Visit PA Voter Services for registration status, polling locations, and mail-in ballot forms.

• Key Deadlines: Ensure your registration is updated at least 15 days prior to Election Day.

Know Which Representatives Impact These Issues

Not every elected official shares the same responsibilities or authority. Local officials, Pennsylvania legislators, and members of Congress each influence different aspects of public policy and funding. Take a moment to find out who represents you at every level of government.

Level of Government	Examples of Officials	Primary Focus Area
Local Officials	Mayors, City Councils, County Commissioners, District Attorneys	Neighborhood services and community infrastructure (Pothole repair, local police, trash collection, zoning, school district policies). How They Impact Victims and Survivors: Fund local shelters, crisis hotlines, county victim advocates, and police response training.
State Officials	State Representatives, State Senators, Governor	Statewide laws, state budget, and public policy (Driver's license rules, state taxes, state university funding, criminal statutes). How They Impact Victims and Survivors: Pass laws on protection orders (PFAs), set crime victim compensation budgets, and allocate state funding.
Federal Officials	U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, President	National policy, defense, and interstate regulation (Passport issuance, Social Security, national defense, federal taxes, federal civil rights). How They Impact Victims and Survivors: Secure federal grants for programs like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

Find Your Representatives:

• Pennsylvania State Representatives and State Senators: The Pennsylvania General Assembly provides an official "Find My Legislator" tool that allows residents to search for their state House and Senate representatives by name, district, county, or address. Once you identify your representatives, visit their official websites to learn about their priorities, sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting records, and contact details.

• U.S. House of Representatives: You can use the official U.S. House "Find Your Representative" tool with your ZIP code to identify your current congressional representative and view their contact information.

• U.S. Senators: Pennsylvania is represented by two U.S. senators. The official U.S. Senate website provides current information about Pennsylvania’s senators and how to reach their offices.

Don't Forget Local Government

Your local elected officials matter just as much. Depending on the issue, county and municipal governments play a central role in shaping public safety, community resources, behavioral health programs, housing, emergency services, and other areas directly affecting victims and survivors.

Find Your Ballot: Search online for your county’s official sample ballot lookup tool. By entering the address where you are registered to vote, you can view your upcoming election date and see the exact candidates and offices that will appear on your ballot on Election Day.

Depending on where you live and the election cycle, your ballot may include candidates for:

• Pennsylvania Governor

• Pennsylvania State Senate

• Pennsylvania House of Representatives

• County offices

• Municipal offices

• Judicial seats and District Attorney

• Local school boards

Key Questions to Ask Candidates

When attending candidate forums or reviewing questionnaires, consider asking:

• Local Candidates (Mayors, City Council, County Commissioners, District Attorneys)

  
  

  • Victim Advocacy and Services: "How will you ensure our county/city budget maintains stable funding for local domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, and victim advocate positions?"

  • Community Resources: "What steps will you take to increase local emergency housing, shelter beds, and community mental health resources for individuals escaping violence?"

  • Justice and Safety: "How will local law enforcement and prosecutors be trained to handle trauma-informed response and survivor support?"

•  State Candidates (PA State Representatives, State Senators, Governor)

  
  

  • State Funding: "How will you protect and expand funding for state victim assistance grants (such as VAPA) and the Crime Victims Compensation Fund?"

  • Legislative Protections: "What legislative measures do you support to strengthen Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and streamline court processes for crime victims?"

  • Healthcare and Behavioral Health: "How will you work to increase statewide access to trauma-informed healthcare and long-term behavioral health support?"

• Federal Candidates (U.S. House & Senate)

  
  

  • Federal Grants and Legislation: "Will you support full reauthorization and sustained funding for federal programs like the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)?"

  • National Standards and Protections: "What federal policies will you advance to address systemic safety, digital harassment, and victim rights across state lines?"

Your Quick Voter Checklist

• Verify Registration: Confirm your status and polling place at vote.pa.gov.

• Check Your Ballot: Preview your county's sample ballot before Election Day.

• Ask Questions: Research where candidates stand on victim services and public safety.

• Share Information: Encourage friends, family, and peers to stay informed and vote.

If you need help with registration or finding information during any election period, never hesitate to ask for assistance at your polling place or from trusted members of your community.

Please remember that every voice matters. Encourage your peers, family, friends, and co-workers to stay informed on the policy decisions made by elected officials at all levels. Ask questions, share information, and stay involved!