Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
‘FAITH IN DEMOCRACY’
Montco residents honored for voting records
Sixteen Montgomery County voters were inducted into Pennsylvania’s Voter Hall of Fame last week.
The inductees were honored during an April 4 ceremony, having voted in 50 general elections. Additionally, others were recognized who’ve voted in the past 50 elections, including primaries, before reaching 50 years old.
“This is an inspiring day, as we recognize people’s unshakeable faith in the democratic system,” said Montgomery County Board of Elections Chairman Neil Makhija in a statement. “And especially as Pennsylvanians, you are extremely coveted voters. You come in year after year to be a part of shaping the future of the country. You have made it through many moments when the voices of Pennsylvanians have been pivotal in the history of the country.”
County officials stressed the importance of voter outreach and participation ahead of the 2024 election season. The primary is scheduled to take place on April 23.
“So many times I hear, ‘I’m not voting, it’s a local election.’ It’s always important to vote in presidential elections like this year, but the off-year races are just as important, if not more important,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello in a statement. “You set the tone as far as dedication to voting. I hope you tell your friends and family to follow in your footsteps.”
Among those inducted into the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Elections Bureau program was former Abington Commissioner D. Gregory Holt II.
“I would always remind young people that not voting has consequences. There has to be an issue that’s part of that election process that’s important to them, and even if there are other things that they don’t feel are important, or they have no interest in, make that one issue important enough to get you out to vote,” Holt said in a statement.
“But also, at some point,
some of the things that they don’t think are as important to them now, may become important to their future children or grandchildren,” he continued. “Politics is a long game. Things get passed that may not affect you for a while.”
Joseph Burkert, 28, was also in attendance, having voted in 20 consecutive elections since turning 18 years old.
“I think it’s important to vote because regardless of what you think, whether it’s this way or that way, your voice needs to be heard. It’s important to have the country know what you think,” Burkert said in a statement.
Eligibility for the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame requires participants to have been born before 1955 and voted in every general election since 1973. Information
is verified through the Pennsylvania Department of State, according to a county spokesperson.
Those interested in being considered for Pennsylvania’s Voter Hall of Fame can submit their application to the Montgomery County Office of Voter Services via email at montcovotes@montgomerycountypa.gov or by mail to Montgomery County Voter Services, P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311.
The county’s voter services office will have additional hours of operation at various satellite offices and access to submit mail-in ballots via drop boxes will begin on April 13. Visit the office’s website for more information at montgomerycountypa.gov/Voter-Services.