The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the General Primary Election on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

 

What will be on the ballot?

• The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting. You can view the General Primary Election sample ballots for the April 23rd Election here:

https://norcopa.gov/index.php?section=election-voting

 

Who can vote in the Primary Election?

• Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for candidates running on their party’s ticket in the Primary Election. Independents and third-party registered voters cannot participate in the Primary but can consider candidates in the November General Election.

 

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

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

 

Where do I vote in person?

• To check your polling location, enter your address at: www.vote.pa.gov/pollingplace. If voters arrive at an incorrect polling location, each precinct will have QR Codes available to help voters find their correct polling place.

Can I vote by paper ballot?

Voting by paper ballot is already available in Northampton County. If you choose to vote by a paper ballot, you may:

• Utilize Ballot-on-Demand in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042). Ballot on Demand will be available in the Elections Office:
• Friday, April 12th (8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• Monday, April 15th (8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand will be Tuesday, April 16th (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
• Request a paper mail-in ballot.
• You can return mail-in ballots by mail (Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes, so voters do not need to add a stamp), directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center, or at one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, April 16, at 5:00 p.m.

 

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). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, April 16, at 5:00 p.m.

 

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 election@norcopa.gov, for someone to assist you.

 

When will mail-in ballots be sent?

• The Elections Office began sending mail-in ballots on Friday, April 5. 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.

• In order for your ballot to be counted, all ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. 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, April 17th.
• Directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
• At one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The County’s secure drop boxes were installed on Friday, April 5.

 

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

• Accessing any of the below drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location.

 

Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):

669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

• Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• When dropping off a ballot, voters can park for free in the loading-and-unloading zone on Washington Street in front of the Courthouse or use the parking lot at the Wolf Avenue and Washington Street intersection.

 

Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

• Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

• Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

• Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Election Day (Tuesday, April 23, 2024) accessible from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

NEW LOCATION: Washington Township Municipal Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

• Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. -.4:00 p.m.
• Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

NEW LOCATION: East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

• Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

 

NEW LOCATION: NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

• Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

How can I ensure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”?

• Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for voters to return their mail-in ballots. Each drop-off box is a secure, locked structure that is permanently anchored in place. Northampton County drop-off boxes have been evaluated to specifically ensure they are indoors, ADA compliant, either chained or anchored in place, under 24-hour camera/surveillance, and allow County Sheriff’s Deputies to collect the contents of the box on a daily basis. All Northampton County drop-off boxes are operated only by election officials and County Sheriff’s Deputies.

 

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

• The Elections Office reminds voters to carefully follow the instructions included with their ballot. “Naked” ballots—those not enclosed in the inner secrecy envelope—will not be counted.
• 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, April 23rd. USPS postmarks DO 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.

 

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.

 

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 this form can be downloaded here Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).

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

• If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote on a machine, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Election will spoil your ballot and ask the voter to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will the voter be permitted to vote on the machine. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by Provisional ballot. The Elections Board will verify that the voter did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.

 

What time are the polls open for the General Primary Election on April 23rd?

• Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd. 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?

• Our voting machines have undergone extensive testing. In addition to enhanced testing, in March 2023 the machines received the latest security upgrades.

 

Have any polling locations changed for this election?

• Yes:

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

• The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov.

Information provided to TVL by:
County of Northampton
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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