Pennsylvania State Treasurer Barbara Hafer, a Republican, and Democratic State Senator Allyson Schwartz urged women to “reclaim the power of the vote” at a rally at the Annenberg Center Sept. 28.

The bipartisan pair were the featured speakers at the “When Women Vote, Women Win!” leadership forum, urging women to participate in politics, especially in this year’s presidential election.

“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” Schwartz said, citing issues that influence women’s votes such as health care, environmental issues and gun control.

Speakers included Rebecca Lieberman (L’97), daughter of Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph Lieberman.

Some speakers bemoaned that Pennsylvania ranked 48th out of 50 states in regard to women’s political involvement and representation.

“This is a collaboration across party lines, across ages, and across races,” said Nancy Bauer, one of the event organizers. “College women can connect this gap and make a difference.”