In The Valley, Northampton County, Press Release

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Voting in the November 7, 2023 Municipal Election – Northampton County Elections Office

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The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

What will be on the ballot?

You can view the Municipal Election ballot for the November 7th Election at:

General Election: November 7, 2023 Sample Ballots (northamptoncounty.org). The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting.

Who can vote in the Municipal Election?

All registered voters can vote in the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 7th.

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

You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov. The deadline to register to vote in the Municipal Election is Monday, October 23, 2023.

Where do I vote in person?

To check your polling location, enter your address at: https://northampton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fdf263285afa4bd9a0adaa9fd04a3851

Can I vote by mail?

Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Election’s Office or at Mail-in and Absentee Ballot (pa.gov) or Absentee and Mail-In Voting (northamptoncounty.org). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 31.

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

Citizens who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (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?

There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, no party affiliation, etc.). Also, local groups send out unsolicited voter registration and mail-in ballot applications, confusing some voters into applying more than once. If you are concerned about any of these issues or have any questions, please contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or elections@norcopa.gov, for someone to assist you.

When will mail-in ballots begin to be sent out?

Mail-in ballots will start to be sent on Monday, October 2nd. Voters can check the status of their ballot online at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov).  

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

To be counted, all ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible. Mail-in ballots can be returned:

  • By mail; no postage stamp is required. If you plan to mail your ballot, we suggest putting it in the mail no later than Wednesday, November 1st.
  • Directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
  • Or at one of the secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. Drop boxes will be available starting Thursday, October 5, 2023.

 

What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?

Mail-in ballots will be accepted if:

  • The ballot is enclosed in the yellow secrecy envelope and sealed.
  • There are NO identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope.
  • The return envelope is signed and dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes.
  • The ballot is returned to the Election’s Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th. USPS postmarks will NOT count if received after this deadline.

 

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

Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. Voters do not need to add a stamp.

 

Where are the secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?

Northampton County Courthouse:

  • 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-8:00 pm

Northampton County Human Services Building:

  • 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-7:00 pm

Northampton County 911 Center:

  • 100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-8:00 pm

Bethlehem City Hall: *

  • 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 – Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm
  • *drop box will be available until 8:00 pm on Election Night (November 7, 2023)

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. Unless a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them and will be asked to complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of the form can be downloaded at Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).

Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?

Yes, Ballot on Demand will be available in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042):

  • Monday, October 2 – Friday, October 13 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
  • Monday, October 16 – Monday, October 30 (8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
  • Saturday, October 21 & Saturday, October 28 (from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
  • The LAST day will be Tuesday, October 31 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm)
  • You must be registered to vote in Northampton County by October 23, 2023
  • You must bring an ID with you to the Election 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. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by Provisional ballot.

What time are the polls open on Tuesday, November 7th?

Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.

Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

Yes. The machines undergo extensive testing before each election. In addition to testing, the machines also received upgrades in March 2023 to the latest security upgrade.

Have any polling locations changed for this election?

Bethlehem Township 3-1 – Freedom High School (Administration Entrance Door #2), 3149 Chester Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Upper Nazareth West – Gracedale Nursing Home, 2 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth, PA 18064

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@norcopa.gov.

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:

www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/PollWorkers.aspx

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Brittney Waylen
Deputy Director of Administration & Public Information Officer
County of Northampton
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/