Lilly Geneva Billarrial, Staff Writer

PHILADELPHIA — Is this your first time voting? Have you recently moved to Philadelphia and are unsure of the process? Do you know your rights as a first-time voter?

Safe and secure elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy in the United States. As a swing state, Pennsylvania often finds itself in the national spotlight during presidential elections. For first-time voters, understanding your rights and distinguishing fact from fiction is crucial to ensuring your vote counts.

What is Voter Fraud?

Voter fraud refers to illegal interference with the election process, such as tampering with results, casting fraudulent votes or coercing someone to vote for a particular candidate or party. However, cases of voter fraud are extremely rare. Pennsylvania has strong measures in place to safeguard the integrity of its elections.

How Does Voter Fraud Affect Our Democracy?

“Voter fraud undermines trust in the electoral process,” said Madison Jane Griffin, a member of the Class of 2025. “The principle is one person, one vote, but when fraud occurs, it clouds what should be a positive experience. I also believe it fosters distrust in communities. Voter fraud does happen, but it’s on a much smaller scale than people think. The real danger is the perception of widespread fraud, which puts election workers—many of whom are volunteers—at incredible risk. I’ve witnessed election workers falsely accused of discarding ballots, which is never the case. Voter fraud is real, but the exaggerated view of it is more dangerous.”

First-Time Voters: Know Your Rights in Pennsylvania

According to Pennsylvania’s official website, no state or local government can deny a person the right to vote based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Your right to vote can only be challenged if a poll worker or observer questions your residency in the precinct. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone to intimidate or coerce you into voting a certain way.

Voter Protections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s election laws provide specific protections for vulnerable groups:

Language Rights: Under federal law, counties must provide language assistance when a certain percentage of the voting-age population speaks a specific language. Pennsylvania offers voter registration forms in Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.

Disability Rights: Polling places must be ADA-accessible, ensuring that voters with disabilities can cast their ballots independently and privately.

If you encounter issues or suspect voter fraud, report them by calling 1-877-VOTESPA.

Important Note for La Salle Students

Only authorized organizations, such as La Salle Votes and Democracy Matters La Salle Chapter, are allowed to register La Salle students to vote in the upcoming election. Volunteers from these groups will wear red buttons that say “Democracy Matters.” If someone without this button asks for your personal information, do not sign anything. Unauthorized individuals are not permitted on campus for voter registration. If you see any suspicious activity, contact La Salle Public Safety at (215) 951-1300 immediately.