Here’s what to know about Pennsylvania’s new mail-in ballot law before the primary election

The 2019 Act 77 takes effect with the 2020 primary election and allows qualified Pennsylvania registered voters to use either an absentee ballot or a mail-in ballot. Or you may still vote in person. Voting couldn’t be easier and it works like this:

You must be registered to vote in Pa. by Monday, April 13, 2020. You may verify your registration status, register, change your address, or change your party affiliation online at VotesPA.com or CentreCountyVotes.com. You may also obtain a paper registration form online or by contacting the Centre County Office of Elections at the address and phone listed below. CCOE must receive your completed registration by 5 p.m. April 13. Only registered voters affiliated with a political party holding a primary may vote in the primary election.

You must apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by Tuesday, April 21, 2020. CCOE must receive your application for either ballot by 5 p.m. April 21. If you have a valid Pa. driver’s license or PennDOT ID, you may apply online. If you do not have either of those IDs, you may download a paper application at votes.pa.gov or CentreCountyVotes.com and mail it to CCOE or visit the CCOE in person.

• Apply for an absentee ballot if you are: a college student not registered to vote at your school address; a person with a physical disability or illness that prevents you from going to the polling place; a person whose work or vacation takes them away from their home on Election Day; a military member; celebrating a religious holiday on Election Day; or an inmate not convicted of a felony.
• Apply for a mail-in ballot if you: do not meet the criteria for an absentee ballot and you choose not to go to the polls on Election Day.
• After your application has been received and approved, your ballot will be mailed to you. Follow the instructions on your ballot, vote, and SIGN YOUR BALLOT or it will not count. Return your ballot as soon as possible by mail or in person to the CCOE to meet the deadline.

Tuesday, April 28 — Primary Election Day. CCOE must receive signed ballots by mail or in person by 8 p.m. April 28. If you have not completed and delivered your ballot on time, you may vote in person by casting a provisional ballot at your polling place.

Centre County Office of Elections

420 Holmes St.

Willowbank Building, 1st Floor

Bellefonte, PA 16823

355-6703

This story was originally published March 8, 2020 at 6:00 AM.