June is #PTSDAwarenessMonth. PTSD can impact our veterans, our first responders, our health care workers, assault and abuse survivors, and anyone else who has suffered a trauma.

In addition to mental health and treatment courts which can address PTSD-related issues, our county also has a veterans’ court designed to “provide treatment, compassion, hope and legal assistance to combat veterans struggling in the criminal justice system by utilizing a problem-solving approach for processing those cases.”

The judicial system can help those suffering from PTSD find hope and healing, and as an MDJ, I would work to identify those needing this assistance. For more info on PTSD. For more info on our local veterans’ court

Only about 50-60% of registered voters actually vote in Presidential elections.  

The numbers for municipal elections are even lower. Some cities report as low as 6% of eligible voter turnout in municipal elections. So, why is it important to vote in local elections? 

• Local government affects many aspects of everyday life. Local elections determine who is running the place you call home. You want to make sure you have a say in who has these incredible responsibilities to ensure the best possible life for you and your neighbors. Your May 18th primary ballot includes mayors, school board directors, council members, and judges.  The judges we elect can decide on sentences for some crimes and violations.  If elected District Judge of Court 15-101, I would work to develop addiction recognition training and a program to help identify high-risk individuals and get them into treatment sooner. Treatment reduces recidivism and keeps our communities safer.  I also look forward to the privilege of performing weddings for all, regardless of sexual orientation.  

•  It can help build relationships in the federal and state government. There are certain issues that can be further addressed by state and federal officials. Such topics include minimum wage, climate change, international affairs, and budget concerns. You want to make sure that when the people of your municipality want something addressed, your local representatives will communicate your message to the appropriate person. Whether it’s your state and federal senators, your representative in the house, the governor, state supreme court, or treasurer, your local officials will be the ones building long term connections with them. You want to make sure the people you elect will foster good relationships with their colleagues to ensure your voice is heard and action is taken.

• Your vote is your voice. Many of today’s voters would have simply not been allowed to vote when this country was founded. At that time, it was only white, land-owning males that were able to vote. If you’re a woman, a person of color, or a renter, your right to vote was fought for by those who came before us. Now, all citizens over the age of 18 have the power to affect change on a local level. Our democracy will only serve everyone if everyone votes. 

Important Election Info:

• Need to register to vote? The deadline to register to vote for the October 18th election is November 2nd. That is also the deadline for changing your name, party, or address. 
• There are four ways to register to vote:  
  • online
  • by mail
  • in person at your county voter registration office
  • at PennDOT and some other government agencies.
• The last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 25th. Click here for an application. Your ballot must be enclosed and sealed in the inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official election ballot” or it will not be counted.
•  Absentee and Mail-in Ballots must be received by 8 pm on election day at your county board of elections. 
• Not sure who to vote for? Visit the Chester County Democratic Committee’s website to learn more about local candidates and initiatives. 

I am honored to receive endorsements from Democratic leaders throughout Chester County.

Additional Endorsements

• West Bradford Township Supervisor Kevin Houghton
• West Chester Committeeperson and CCDC Assistant Solicitor, Jon Long  

From VotesPA:

• October 26, 2021 at 5 pm – APPLICATIONS for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election board
• In Pennsylvania, you have two options for mail ballots.
  • Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
  • Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on election day, you can request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.

In order to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote.  Check Your Registration Status to review your registration information.

From Votes PA:

• Check your voter registration status here.
• Deadline Alert: is the last day to register before the Primary is May 2nd.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the next election, you CANNOT register to vote.
• If you have any questions, please call 1.877.VOTESPA (1.877.868.3772).
• Click here for a voter registration application.