The Pennsylvania primary election in June 2. Here’s what to know about mailing your vote
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. You may still vote in person, but why risk your life during this terrible pandemic. Mail your vote! It couldn’t be easier. It works like this:
You must be registered to vote in Pennsylvania by Monday, May 18. 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. on May 18. 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, May 26. CCOE must receive your application for either ballot by 5 p.m. on May 26. If you have a valid Pennsylvania 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 votespa.com or CentreCountyVotes.com and mail it to CCOE, or visit the CCOE in person.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed SB 422 into law on March 27. This is the law that postponed the primary to June 2 for this year only, among other changes. One of the most important of those changes was to clear up confusion created in Act 77 regarding absentee ballots vs. mail-in ballots. The following is an excerpt from the information that was provided to the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania by Stephen Latanishen, director of the office of intergovernmental affairs, Pennsylvania Department of State.
“Mail-in Qualifications – The definition of a mail-in voter has been updated to remove references on whether they should have been a qualified absentee voter or not. In other words, a voter may request a ballot of their choice as long as they are a qualified voter.”
“Ballot Challenges – A voter may no longer be challenged on the grounds they should have submitted a mail-in application when they completed an absentee application and vice versa.”
After the application of your choice has been received and approved by the CCOE, 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, June 2 – Primary Election Day. CCOE must receive signed ballots by mail or in person by 8 p.m. on June 2. 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.
Remember there are also state races, in addition to the presidential contest, in our primary: Pennsylvania Attorney General, Auditor General and Treasurer; U.S. Representatives for the 12th and 15th Districts; and PA Representatives for the 76th, 77th, 81st and 171st Districts. For a complete list of candidate names for each race, please visit VOTE411.org.
Centre County Office of Elections
420 Holmes St.
Willowbank Building, 1st Floor
Bellefonte, PA 16823
355-6703