[Northampton County, PA] — The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Q: What will be on the ballot?
A: The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting. You can view the 2026 General Election sample ballots for the November 3rd election at each polling place and here: www.NorthamptonVotes.com
Q: Who can vote in the General Election?
A: All registered voters in Northampton County can participate in the General Election, regardless of political party affiliation.
Q: How can I check to see if I’m registered to vote?
A: You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov. The deadline for registering to vote for the 2026 General Election was October 19, 2026.
Q: Where do I vote in person?
A: To check your polling location, use our “Find Your Polling Place“ tool at www.NorthamptonVotes.com. If you arrive at an incorrect polling location, each precinct will have QR Codes available to help you find the correct polling place.
Q: Can I vote by paper ballot?
A: Voting by paper ballot is already available in Northampton County, but not at the polls on Election Day. If you wish to vote by a paper ballot, you must apply for a mail-in ballot or use Ballot-on-Demand:
- Utilize Ballot-on-Demand in the Elections Office at the Government Center (Lower Level, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042):
- The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand is Tuesday, October 27th (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Utilize a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot (provided you qualify for an absentee ballot). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 27, by 5:00 p.m.
- You can return mail-in ballots directly to the Northampton County Elections Office at the Government Center, or at one of the ten secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. At this point in time, a week out from the election, we do not recommend placing them in the mail.
Q: Can I vote by mail?
A: 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 Elections 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, October 27 at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?
A: There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, if you are not a US citizen, etc.). 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.
Q: When will mail-in ballots be sent?
A: The Elections Office began sending mail-in ballots during the first week of October. We are continuing to send out mail-in ballots as applications are received. You can check the status of your 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 Elections 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 as follows:
- Directly to the Northampton County Elections Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
- At one of the ten secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The County’s secure drop boxes were installed on October 2, 2026.
At this point in time, a week before the election, we strongly recommend you return your completed ballot to a Drop Box or the Elections Office just to make sure it is received in time to be counted.
Q: Where are secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?
A: Accessing any of the drop-off boxes below does not require going through security at any location.
- Washington Township Municipal Building (Interior Hallway):
1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Election Day: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):
5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
- NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):
511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Election Day: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
- Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):
669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Election Day: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):
2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
- Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):
100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064
Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days a week
Election Day: Until 8:00 p.m.
- Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):
10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Election Day: 7:00 a.m .- 8:00 p.m.
- Charles Chrin Community Center (Main Lobby):
4100 Greenpond Road, Palmer, PA 18045
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Election Day: 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
- Lower Saucon Township(Main Lobby):
3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Election Day: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Ballot Drop Box will be relocated to Seidersville Hall, located on the same property in a separate building inside the Main Entrance
- Northampton Area Memorial Library (Main Entrance):
1615 Laubach Ave, Northampton, PA 18067
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Election Day: 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Q: How can I be sure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”?
A: Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for you to return your 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, and under 24-hour camera/surveillance. County Sheriff’s Deputies 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.
Q: What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?
A: The Elections Office reminds you to carefully follow the instructions included with your ballot. Remember to sign and date the outside of the return envelope! “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 a Drop Box (review the open hours above) or the Elections Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd. USPS postmarks DO NOT count if received after this deadline.
If your returned mail-in ballot has any defects that are discernible without opening the return envelope (for example, you failed to sign or date the outside of the return envelope), the Elections Office may contact you and give you the opportunity to come into the Elections Office and “cure” (fix) the defect. If you come into the office for this purpose, you will be asked for your ID (it does not have to be a photo ID).
Q: What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?
A: Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. You do not need to add a stamp. At this point in time, a week before the election, we strongly recommend you return your completed ballot to a Drop Box or the Elections Office just to make sure it is received in time to be counted.
Q: How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?
A: Voters who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov)
Q: Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?
A: No, with one exception. Pennsylvania state law states that voters may only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID (it does not have to be a photo ID).
- If a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them. Both the voter and the agent must complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of this form can be downloaded here: Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov)
Q: I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls.
A: If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote at the polls, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Elections will spoil your ballot and ask you to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will you 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 you did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.
Q: What time are the polls open for the General Election on November 3?
A: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. If you’re in line by 8:00 p.m., stay in line; you will be allowed to cast your vote.
Q: Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?
A: Our voting machines have undergone extensive logic and accuracy testing.
Q: Have any polling locations changed for this election?
A: No; however, there were recent updates in the 2026 Primary, so we encourage all voters to check their polling place in advance and can do so by using the “Find Your Polling Place” tool at: www.NorthamptonVotes.com.
Q: Who should voters contact if they have problems or questions before or on Election Day?
A: The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov.
