The Elections Office is providing a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Northampton County voters for the General Election on November 2, 2021.

What will be on the ballot?

• County-wide offices, candidates for municipal offices, state and magisterial judges. The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot on-line before voting. The ballot will be available towards the end of September and can be viewed at: https://www.northamptoncounty.org/ctyadmn/electns/Pages/default.aspx

Who can vote in the General Election?

• All registered voters are eligible to vote in the General Election. October 18^this the last day to register before the election.
  

How can I see if I’m registered to vote?

• You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov
  

Can I vote by mail?

• Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Election’s Office or at www.vote.pa.govor www.NorthamptonVotes.com
  

How do I know my application has been accepted or if my ballot has been received?

• Citizens who sign up on vote.pa.govwill receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at vote.pa.gov once the state makes that tool available.
  

Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?

• It’s likely that a duplicate application was filed or the application lacked a signature or a verifiable ID. Contact the Elections Office for assistance at 610-829-6260 or elections@northamptoncounty.org
  

When will ballots go out in the mail?

• Ballots will start being mailed out in late September or early October. Voters can check the status of their ballot on-line at www.vote.pa.gov
  

I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time.

• To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on November 2^nd. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible or at least get it in the mail by October 22^nd. Secure ballot drop-off boxes will be available until 8:00PM on Nov. 2^nd.

What can cause a mail-in ballot to be rejected?

• Mail-in ballots can be rejected if:

o  The ballot was not enclosed in a sealed privacy envelope (i.e. a “naked” ballot)

o  The return envelope was not signed or dated

o  There are identifying marks or symbols on the privacy envelope

o  The ballot was not returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on November 2^nd. 

What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?

• Postage on the return envelopes is pre-paid. Voters do not need to add a stamp.
  

Do I have to return my ballot by mail?

• No. Ballots can be returned directly to the Election’s Office at the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042 or at one of the secure ballot drop boxes stationed around the County. (Boxes will be installed when ballots become available.)
  

Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

• No. PA State Law states that voters must only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID. If you drop off someone else’s ballot because they are physically unable to do so, you will be asked for a signed “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of the form can be downloaded at www.vote.pa.gov
  

Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?

• Yes, Ballot on Demandwill be available in the Election Office at the Government Center starting September 20^th until 4:30PM on October 26. You must bring an ID with you to the office.
  

I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in-person at the polls.

• Voters who prefer to use the machines must bring their mail-in ballots and the return envelope to the polls. The Judge of Election will spoil the ballot and ask the voter to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing them to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine.
  

Will the polls be open on November 2^nd?

• Yes. As of right now, the Election’s Office plans on staffing all 156 precincts with 315 voting machines.
  

Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

• Yes. The machines undergo testing before the General Election on November 2^nd. The machines performed very well in the last three elections.
  

Have any polling locations changed? 

• Bushkill Cherry Hill and Bushkill Center precincts are returning to Butz Elementary School
  

Do I have to wear a mask at the polls? What about the poll workers?

• All poll workers are required to wear facemasks. We strongly request that voters wear masks out of respect to the people who volunteer in our elections.
  

Who should voters call if they have problems or questions either before or on Election Day?

• The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or elections@northamptoncounty.org

Our democracy increases in strength the more we all participate. If you, or someone you know, has an interest in taking a more active role, please consider becoming a poll worker. Poll workers are paid for their training time and work on Election Day. https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/PollWorkers.aspx

 
 
Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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