Voter ID Update

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Harrisburg – Since the Pennsylvania Voter ID law was enacted in March, PennDOT has been working closely with the Department of State to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to obtain photo identification. Voters who lack verification documents necessary for a secure Pennsylvania Photo ID (non-driver's license ID card), will be able to obtain a new Department of State voter identification card for free by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center.

"Our goal is to ensure that every person who needs an ID can get one, and this new ID serves as a safety net for those who can’t find or obtain verification documents normally required for a PennDOT secure identification card," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. 

The Department of State Voter ID is valid only for voting purposes. For this reason, if a resident has the necessary documents, PennDOT’s primary focus is to issue a secure Pennsylvania identification. 

If the customer was born in Pennsylvania but does not possess a birth certificate with a raised seal, PennDOT works directly with Department of Health to certify the customer's birth record. If the customer still cannot qualify for a PennDOT secure ID, the department will then work to issue the new Department of State Voter ID card. 

Residents who want the new Department of State Voter ID will need to provide their name, address, Social Security number, proof of residency and previous name and/or address if changed in the past 12 months. The applicant must complete a Department of State ID application form and sign a document affirming that they are a registered voter but have no other form of identification that can be used for voting. Staff at the Driver License Center will contact the Department of State to confirm that the person is registered to vote. Once verified, the person will receive the free Department of State Voter ID, which is valid for 10 years.

PennDOT has posted signs to assist customers seeking Voter Identification cards at the state's 71 Driver License Centers. The downtown Pittsburgh center has the new Department of State Voter ID cards available today. PennDOT serves about 2.4 million customers at the centers each year.

For more information on voting and the types of photo ID's that can be used at the polls, visit www.votespa.com or www.dos.state.pa.us.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews.

So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?

Looking to start your own business, but don’t know where to begin? Start by attending a seminar at The Upper Darby Welcome Center!

The Upper Darby Welcome Center and SCORE has partnered to bring this event to residents who are interested in creating a business. 

A representative from SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” will give an introductory overview to explain the factors needed for a successful business.  This seminar will also show you what other resources are available in the community.

Reserve your space NOW by calling 610-734-7784.

Re-Registration Requirements for the 2012-13 School Year

School begins in two weeks.  Don't delay, register today!

All students transitioning from elementary to middle school and/or middle school to high school will be required to re-register for the 2012-13 school year.  All students entering 6th grade and all students entering 9th grade must re-register before the start of the 2012-13 school year.

Students must be re-registered at the district's central registration office, 7000 Walnut St., (the purple door) Upper Darby, between the hours of 7:30 A.M. - 7:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday.  Please call the office to schedule an appointment (610-352-2400).

The re-registration period for these transitioning students begins immediately.  For a registration form, and for a list of the documents needed to successfully re-register, please click here.

Delaware County Literacy Council

Open House Shines International Light on Local Adult Literacy

On Wednesday, September 12, the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) will open its doors at 2217 Providence Avenue in Chester from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a special Open House to celebrate International Literacy Day.

All are invited to hear about literacy from a variety of perspectives, to enjoy light refreshments, and to learn about the Literacy Council’s free services and volunteering opportunities. DCLC provides free one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED preparation.

Scheduled to appear at the event is Michael Lahoud, a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union soccer team. Lahoud is a native of Sierra Leone—one of several West African countries well represented among DCLC’s adult students. Immigrants from Africa, Asia, South America, and other parts of the world come to the Literacy Council for both ESL instruction and basic literacy services and often receive help from a volunteer literacy tutor.

Lahoud is scheduled to talk about his journey from Sierra Leone to the ranks of Major League Soccer, first playing for Chivas USA in Los Angeles and now playing for the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in Chester. Lahoud is also scheduled to sign autographs following the program of speakers during the event.

Visitors also can learn about the “Real Men Really Read” Campaign from Jonathan Abdur Raheem King of Brothers of Concern, who will say a few words about the Chester initiative. Also, local Rotarians will be recounting some of their local and international activities relating to literacy.

The event will be streamed live on the Delaware County Daily Times’ “Live from the Newsroom” web site, and several Daily Times’ bloggers will be in attendance to meet readers and share their thoughts on literacy.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.delcoliteracy.org, or call 610-876-4811.

The Literacy Council was founded in 1975 by volunteers who recognized a need for reading tutoring in the Chester area. For 37 years, the Literacy Council has worked with Delaware County adults who wish to read, write, speak and understand English. Currently, more than 50 adult students are waiting for tutors. To learn how to become a volunteer tutor, come to the September 12^th Open House or call Susan at 610-876-4811.