Harrisburg, Pa. (WENY)-- A group of bipartisan, former Pennsylvania lawmakers is banding together to remind residents of safe voting options this Fall. The coalition is in collaboration with Vote Safe Pennsylvania. It’s co-chaired by former Republican House Majority Leader Dave Reed and former Democratic U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy. Together, they’re advocating for safe voting options this Fall.

“We’re not playing partisan political games. We are putting our country first. And our country and our fellow Americans should exercise their right to vote,” Murphy explains.

The coalition is currently made up of 24 former federal, state, and local legislators. That includes all five of Pennsylvania’s living former Governors. The goal is to remind residents of all the options they have to cast their ballot in the General Election.

“No matter who you’re planning on voting for this fall, if we get voters out, Republican, Democrats, Independents, folks are going to have more confidence in the results of the election,” says Reed.

One main portion of their message highlights the option of voting by mail. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the coalition says it’s the perfect time to exercise your right to vote by mail. As Reed, a Republican, points out, it’s been around for decades through absentee ballots.

“This is really just an expansion of the system that’s already been out there. It’s worked to a T in Pennsylvania and we have confidence that it’s going to work again,” explains Reed.

Former Congressman Murphy, a war veteran, voted by mail while serving our country. He and other members of the coalition are encouraging residents to vote by mail if that’s how they want to make their voice heard.

“Voting by mail is safe and secure. Not just for our troops, but for all Americans and all Pennsylvanians who want to basically vote safely and securely from their own home,” Murphy says.

The coalition will be reminding residents of how important their vote is, as well as all the voting options they have leading up to the General Election on November 3rd. Be on the lookout for social media messaging and information as we get closer.

“We’re confident that through that messaging and through that educational process, that folks are going to be able to get their ballot cast and we’re going to have an election this fall, and one way or another the country is going to persevere forward. It always has,” says Reed.

To learn more about Vote Safe Pennsylvania, and all the former leaders who have endorsed the coalition, click here: https://pa.votesafe.us.