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Department of State Alerts Pennsylvania Businesses About New Federal Ownership Reporting Requirement

Most businesses must identify their beneficial owners to U.S. Treasury starting in 2024

12/01/2023
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, many companies in the United States will have to report information about their beneficial owners – the individuals who ultimately own or control the company – to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

What People Are Saying About the Shapiro Administration’s Redesign of Mail Ballot Materials to Help Ensure Every Legal Vote Can Be Counted 

“Great news” … “commonsense change” … “A model for the country”

11/30/2023
esterday, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt introduced redesigned mail ballot materials that will be rolled out in 2024, with the goal of decreasing voter confusion that can lead to completed ballots being rejected. 

Shapiro Administration Introduces Redesigned Mail Ballot Materials to Give Voters Clearer Instructions, Decrease Number of Rejected Ballots, and Ensure Every Legal Vote is Counted

11/29/2023
In keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening our democracy and keeping our elections safe and secure, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced redesigned mail ballot materials that will be rolled out in the 2024 primary election. The redesigned envelopes and instruction sheets have revised language to better inform voters how to properly fill out and return their mail-in ballots, with the goal of decreasing voter confusion that can lead to completed ballots being rejected and assisting county election workers in efficiently processing mail in ballots.

Department of State Livestreams Kickoff of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Risk-Limiting Audit of the 2023 Municipal Election

11/16/2023
To continue Governor Shapiro’s commitment to transparency about election administration in the Commonwealth, the Department of State today livestreamed the process to randomly select batches of ballots from the Nov. 7, 2023, municipal election that will be audited as part of Pennsylvania’s third statewide risk-limiting audit (RLA).

Secretary of State Reports Smooth Election Day Across Commonwealth, With Limited Number of Isolated Issues

11/07/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said that today’s municipal election in Pennsylvania ran relatively smoothly, with county elections boards reporting a minimal number of isolated issues.   

Shapiro Administration Urges Voters to Know Their Rights at the Polls

11/03/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt today encouraged Pennsylvania voters to educate themselves about their rights before they vote in person on Nov. 7. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Voters of One-Stop Shop for Trusted Election Information

Vote.pa.gov provides resources for voters to verify their registration status, locate their polling place, and learn how to successfully complete and return their mail ballot

10/31/2023
In preparation for the Nov. 7 Municipal Election, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvania voters today that they can find comprehensive voting information at vote.pa.gov. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Voters of Oct. 31 Deadline to Request Mail-in or Absentee Ballot

Voters must return their mail or absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day

10/24/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvanians today they can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the upcoming Municipal Election until Tuesday, Oct. 31. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Discusses Preparations for Nov. 7 Election, Encourages Voters to Rely on Trusted Sources for Election Information

10/19/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt at a press conference Thursday discussed election preparations and deadlines for voters to keep in mind to cast their ballot in the Nov. 7 municipal election. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians the Deadline to Register to Vote Is Two Weeks Away

Oct. 23 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 election

10/10/2023
Today, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded eligible Pennsylvanians that the Oct. 23 deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 municipal election is only two weeks away. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Pennsylvania Voters Have 4 Weeks to Apply for a Mail Ballot for the Nov. 7 Municipal Election

10/03/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt today reminded registered Pennsylvania voters that they have until 5 p.m. Oct.  31 to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 7 municipal election. Ensuring that our elections are conducted securely, freely, and fairly – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Longtime Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission Executive Director Greg Sirb Retires

During 33-year tenure, Sirb served 7 governors and 14 Secretaries of State

09/28/2023
Greg Sirb, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission (SAC) and the longest-tenured director of any state athletic commission in the nation, will retire Friday, Sept. 29.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Reminds Eligible Pennsylvanians to Register to Vote by Oct. 23 to Participate in November Election

Get details on how to register to vote or how to update your voter registration status at vote.pa.gov

09/27/2023
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvanians today that the Oct. 23 deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 municipal election is just one month away. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Takes Action to Address Nursing Shortage, Allows Additional Licensed Nurses to Practice in PA

RNs, LPNs licensed through interstate Nurse Licensure Compact will be able to practice in PA, help ease Commonwealth’s nursing shortage

08/22/2023
In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to expanding Pennsylvania’s workforce and serving Pennsylvanians more efficiently, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced today Pennsylvania is taking the first step to implement the Nurse Licensure Compact by allowing nurses with multistate licenses issued by 40 other states and territories to practice in Pennsylvania. This key step will help address Pennsylvania’s severe nursing shortage and increase health care access for patients across the Commonwealth.

Shapiro Administration Educates Veterans’ Groups, Organizations About Tool Relating Military Experience to Civilian Job Requirements

Presentation to veterans’ services council is the latest in a series highlighting Pennsylvania’s innovative military occupational crosswalk 

07/26/2023
The Department of State (DOS) continued expanding awareness of its innovative ‘Occupational Crosswalk’ tool that helps veterans and service members translate their military experience into civilian career opportunities by giving a presentation on the tool yesterday to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. 

Shapiro Administration Announces 37 PA High Schools Earn Governor’s Civic Engagement Awards for Helping More Than 3,500 Eligible Students Register to Vote

07/21/2023
The Pennsylvania departments of State and Education announced today that 37 high schools in the commonwealth won Governor’s Civic Engagement Awards (GCEA) during the 2022-23 school year.

35 Shapiro Administration Nominees Approved to Serve on State Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions

New professional and public board members will help protect Pennsylvanians’ health and safety

07/12/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of State announced today that 35 Pennsylvanians have been approved by the state Senate to serve on 21 of the state’s professional licensing boards and commissions.

Al Schmidt Takes Office as Secretary of the Commonwealth

06/29/2023
Today, Al Schmidt officially became Secretary of the Commonwealth in accordance with the Pennsylvania Constitution. 

Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Certifies Results of 2023 Primary

06/22/2023
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced today he officially certified the final results of the 2023 Primary Election yesterday afternoon.

Election Audit Affirms Accuracy of 2023 Primary Count Outcome

06/08/2023
 In keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to secure and transparent elections, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced today that a statewide audit of the May 16, 2023, Democratic primary for Pennsylvania Supreme Court found no discrepancies between the original and audited unofficial results.

Department of State Livestreams Kickoff of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Risk-Limiting Audit of the 2023 Municipal Primary

05/25/2023
Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration. To continue Governor Shapiro’s commitment to transparency about election administration in the Commonwealth, the Department of State livestreamed the process to randomly select batches of ballots that will be audited as part of Pennsylvania’s second statewide risk-limiting audit (RLA).

Acting Secretary of State Reports Free, Fair, Secure Primary Election Across Pennsylvania

05/16/2023
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said that today’s municipal primary election in Pennsylvania ran smoothly, with county elections boards reporting a minimal number of routine issues.   

Shapiro Administration Urges Voters to Know Their Rights at the Polls

Polling locations will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Primary Day, May 16

05/15/2023
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt today encouraged registered Pennsylvania voters to educate themselves about their rights before they vote in person on May 16. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Announces Chinese-Language Version of Department of State’s Voter Information Website Is Now Available

05/12/2023
Today, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced that the Chinese-language version of vote.pa.gov is now live as the Shapiro Administration continues its commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters have the resources they need to make their voices heard.

Department of State Election Returns Website Will Provide First Look at Primary Election Results

05/10/2023
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvanians today that the Department of State’s election night returns website will offer up-to-the-minute results from counties after the polls close on May 16.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Voters of One-Stop Shop for Trusted Election Information

Vote.pa.gov provides voters with resources to verify their voter registration, locate their polling place, and learn how to return their mail ballot

05/09/2023
In preparation for the May 16 primary election, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvania voters they can find comprehensive voting information at vote.pa.gov. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Voters the Deadline to Apply for a Mail Ballot for the May Primary Is Just One Week Away

05/02/2023
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt today urged Pennsylvanians planning to vote by mail ballot in the May primary election to apply online or in person now, before the May 9 deadline, and return their mail ballot immediately to ensure their vote can be counted.

Shapiro Administration Announces Spanish-Language Version of Department of State’s Voter Information Website Is Now Available

04/27/2023
Today, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced that the Spanish-language version of vote.pa.gov is now live. The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the resources they need to make their voices heard, and today’s announcement continues to build on that commitment.
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