09/28/2020
Remember to cast your ballot November 3
Explaining secrecy envelopes, and other information you need to vote safely this fall
Dear James,
Tuesday, November 3 is the day of the general election, but voting has already begun in Pennsylvania. Voting is a pillar of our democracy and part of our civic duty as American citizens, so I want to make sure you have the resources you need to vote, vote early and vote safely. No matter who you plan to vote for, you can help PA elections run smoothly and make sure your voice is heard by making a plan right now for how you're going to vote.
Register to vote: You can register to vote online, by mail, in person at your county voter registration office or at PennDOT and select other government agencies. If you're not sure if you've already registered, check your registration status today. The deadline to register to vote for the current election cycle is Monday, October 19.
Voting in person: You can vote in person at an assigned polling place near where you live, open 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. If your name is not in the voter roster, you may have the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Poll workers will be available to assist with any questions or concerns on Election Day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for safely voting in-person during COVID-19, including: wash your hands before and after, bring and use hand sanitizer, wear a mask, continue social distancing, bring your own blue/black ink pen and vote at off-peak hours such as mid-morning.
Voting by mail: Voting by mail is a safe, secure and legal way for Americans to practice their constitutional right to vote. Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. Tuesday, October 27 is the deadline to request your mail-in or absentee ballot. To ensure your ballot is counted, don't wait to send your ballot in, as ballots must be postmarked by 8 PM on Tuesday, November 3 and received by your county election office by 5 PM on Friday, November 6. If you are concerned about USPS delays in delivering mail-in or absentee ballots, you can drop off your ballot at your county election office.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to double-check all deadlines at VOTESPA.com to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. You also must carefully follow the directions on your mail-in or absentee ballot, or your vote will not be counted. This includes marking your ballot in blue or black pen, sealing your ballot in the inner secrecy envelope that says "official ballot" and then placing it in the outer return envelope, sealing it and signing it.
No matter who you plan to vote for, your vote matters. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact my office online or call your local office in Pennsylvania, and we will respond as quickly as possible. For additional resources, visit votespa.com or call 1-877-VOTESPA.
