People could have a better year this year and in the future by registering to vote and then voting to have their say in local, county, state and federal issues, according to the local election bureau. The 2024 election cycle includes races for the presidency, Congress and some state offices.

“Voting is very important so that your voice can be heard,” said Jade Bowers, assistant director of the county election bureau. “Everyone should vote in all elections, presidential, federal and municipal elections. One vote can make a difference.”

To emphasize her point, Bowers points to a page on the bureau’s website that highlights historical events that were decided by one vote.

According to the bureau’s page, one vote kept Aaron Burr (later charged with treason) from becoming president, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic, and one vote elected Rutherford B. Hayes to the presidency — and the man in the Electoral College who cast the vote was an Indiana representative also elected by one vote.

There are many ways to register to vote including filling out a paper application in the bureau office or at home and mailing it in, applying online at vote.pa.gov and through the Department of Transportation when renewing or obtaining a driver’s license.

As of late December 2023, there were 137,397 registered voters in the county, but that number changes frequently. Of those voters, 39,716 were Democrats, 78,163 were Republicans, 807 were Libertarian and 18,711 were registered in other parties.

In the Nov. 7 election, voter turnout was 36.45%, which was slightly higher than anticipated for a municipal election.