HARRISBURG — Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today reviewed how to vote early in person by mail ballot at county election offices and satellite election offices, one of three voting options available to Pennsylvanians for the Nov. 3 election.
“I voted early in person in Bucks County, and it was easy, convenient and secure. I recommend it highly — you don’t have to worry about the mail, and you can do it on your own schedule as long as the county election office is open,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Voters who wish to use this option should contact their county election office to find out their hours and whether they recommend making an appointment ahead of time.”
Voters simply visit their county election office or satellite office and apply for a mail ballot. County election officials will check their eligibility while they wait and, once their eligibility is verified, give them a ballot. They can then complete their ballot and cast it all in one visit.
Voters should make sure that they enclose their ballot first in the white inner secrecy envelope and seal it, then insert the inner envelope in the outer pre-printed return envelope and sign and complete the voter’s declaration on the outer envelope. Voters must include these steps in order for their ballots to be counted.
Some county election boards have opened satellite offices to offer residents mail-in and absentee ballot application processing and voting in convenient locations across their county. These satellite offices may be open additional hours, including weeknights and weekends. Each satellite office has a secure ballot collection receptacle to store voted mail-in and absentee ballots submitted at the location.
The option to vote early in person by mail ballot is available until Oct. 27, the deadline to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election.
Pennsylvanians also have the option of voting by mail or in person at their polling place on election day.
Pennsylvanians voting by mail ballot must return their ballot by the deadline of 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Ballots can be hand-delivered to county election offices or other designated locations or mailed. The Department of State urges voters to return their ballot today to ensure timely arrival.
Polling places will be open in every county from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at the polls. The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during this COVID-19 emergency.
“Pennsylvanians have more secure, accessible and convenient voting options than ever before,” Secretary Boockvar said. “We urge every eligible voter to take advantage of one of these options to make their voice heard.”
Citizens, officials, and organizations are encouraged to use resources from the state’s Ready to Vote Toolkit at www.votesPA.com/r2vtoolkit to educate every eligible Pennsylvania voter about their options for how to cast their ballot in the Nov. 3 election. The toolkit includes sample social-media posts, web banners, newsletter content, videos, flyers, and more.
For more information on voting and elections in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.
