Pennsylvania Gears Up for 2023 General Election: Here’s What You Need to Know
PA – As Pennsylvania prepares for the upcoming general election on November 7th, several critical deadlines and procedures have been announced for voters to ensure a seamless electoral process.
Key Deadlines:
- Voter Registration: October 23rd.
- Mail or Absentee Ballot Application: October 31st, 5 p.m.
- Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Return of Mail or Absentee Ballots: November 7th, 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania residents can still check and register their voter status online. However, individuals incarcerated for felonies are ineligible to vote under state law, while those on probation, parole, or house arrest can participate.
Early Voting:
For those eager to cast their votes early, the state has provisions for early in-person voting up until October 31st. Registered voters can request, receive, and cast their mail or absentee ballot in one visit to county election boards or designated sites.
Mail Balloting:
Pennsylvanians can apply for a mail or absentee ballot until the 5 p.m. deadline on October 31st. For voters who prefer dropping off their mail ballots, counties will provide secure drop boxes, and their locations in areas like Bucks, Chesco, Delco, Montco, and Philadelphia can be found online. It’s important to note that completed mail or absentee ballots need to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, and postmarks won’t be counted.
If someone chooses to switch to in-person voting after receiving an absentee or mail ballot, they must bring their ballots and outer return envelopes to be voided at the polls. Voters who don’t receive their mail ballot after requesting it can opt for a provisional ballot on Election Day.
Polling Places & Accessibility:
Traditional in-person voting will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can determine their polling locations online. Those requiring accessible voting methods, due to disabilities or use of screen readers, have the option of an accessible remote ballot. Furthermore, voters above 65 or with disabilities, whose polling places are not accessible, may be eligible for an alternative ballot by mail. Assistance for people with disabilities is also available at polling places, with certain restrictions on who can assist.
For voters with disabilities preventing them from applying for or delivering a mail ballot in person, there’s provision to designate an agent for delivery. Moreover, those with a permanent disability can apply to join the permanent absentee voter list.
Poll Workers:
Interested individuals can apply to be poll workers by filling out the Pennsylvania poll worker interest form. While government officials and employees are generally barred from serving, district judges, notaries public, and Pennsylvania National Guard members are exceptions.
As Pennsylvania gears up for what’s expected to be a crucial election, officials urge voters to be well-informed and exercise their right to vote responsibly.
