Delaware County voters will try again with our new voting process on November 3, 2020 in the General Election. Our new voting process was far from a pleasant experience on primary day and the fall election will again include the option to vote by US Mail or voting at the polls on election day. Additionally, for Delaware County voters election day voting will again include paper ballots and NEW VOTING MACHINES.
Below we’ve put together a quick overview of the changes implemented in this voting cycle to guide voters through the November election. For detailed explanations and questions that are not answered here, refer to the PA State Department or Delaware County websites.
Decide: Mail-in or In Person?
Each voter has the option to vote in person or by mail-in ballot. In person voting will be similar to previous elections, show up to the polls on election day and vote (more on that below). Mail-in voting allows you to vote from the comfort of your home, but requires you to follow a couple steps that require timely response and requires you to provide valid identification.
Voting by mail-in ballot:
Voters who prefer to vote by mail in ballot must follow a two step process.
Step 1: Complete an application to have the mail-in ballot sent to your residence. The mail-in ballot application can be submitted using an online application form or by downloading & printing a hard copy of the application, then completing it & returning it by US mail.
Please note, if you plan to vote using an absentee or mail-in ballot in the 2020 GENERAL ELECTION held on 11/3/2020, your completed application must be received in the county office by 5:00 PM on 10/27/2020. The deadline to return your voted absentee or mail-in ballot is 8:00 PM on 11/03/2020.
Step 2: After receiving your mail-in ballot, follow the instructions to complete and return the ballot to the county voting bureau using the provide materials.
The deadline to return your voted absentee or mail-in ballot is 8:00 PM on 11/03/2020. The ballot MUST be received at the county by the deadline, the postmark is not valid evidence of receipt by the county.
What to expect on election day
In addition to social distancing, and voting location changes, Delaware County voters will be using the new Hart Verity 2.3.4 Voting System beginning in this year’s General Election on November 3, 2020.
The system, certified by the PA Department of State, meets the Governor’s mandate for a verifiable paper trail. It includes plain text which voters can read to verify their vote before casting their ballot.
THIS JUST IN! We have been informed that unlike the June 2nd Primary, the November 3, 2020 General Election WILL include the scanners depicted in the following video. Additionally, all voters in the 161st district will have the ability to vote in person at there regular voting location.
Watch the following video to learn what to expect at your voting location on election day.
This was meant to be a quick guide to highlight the key points that most voters are concerned about. For a comprehensive guide to the upcoming election and new voting laws, please visit the PA State Department website at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/SurePortalHome.aspx
