The Elections Office is providing a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Northampton County voters for the General Election Nov. 8.

What will be on the ballot?

United States Senator, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Representative in Congress, State Senator – 14th and 18th Districts and State Representatives. The Elections Office recommends that voters review the ballot before voting. The ballot for the general election is available at: https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/Sample-Ballots.aspx

Who can vote in the General Election?

All registered voters can vote in the general election.

How can I check 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 general election is Oct. 24.

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, at www.vote.pa.gov and www.NorthamptonVotes.com The deadline to apply for a civilian mail-in or absentee ballot is by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

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

Citizens who sign up on vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at vote.pa.gov.

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@norcopa.gov

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

Ballots will go out in the mail beginning in 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 Elections Office by 8 p.m. Nov. 8. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible or at least get it in the mail by Nov. 1. Secure ballot drop-off boxes will be available starting Oct. 10.

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

Mail-in ballots can be rejected if:

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

The return envelope was not signed

There are identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope

The ballot was not returned to the Elections Office by 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

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 Elections Office at the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, or at one of the four secure ballot drop-off boxes stationed around the county.

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

Rotunda of the Government Center – 669 Washington Street, Easton

Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Human Services Building – 2801 Emrick Blvd. Bethlehem

Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Northampton County 911 Center – 100 Gracedale Ave. Nazareth

Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Bethlehem City Hall – 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem

Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

No. Pennsylvania 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 you must have a “Certification of Designated Agent” form on file at the Elections Office. A copy of the form can be downloaded at www.vote.pa.gov

Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?

Yes, Ballot on Demand will be available in the Election Office at the Government Center starting October 4th until 5:00PM on November 1st. 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. If a voter cannot provide the return envelope and mail-in ballot to the Judge of Election they can only vote via a Provisional ballot. They will not be allowed to vote on the machine.

Will the polls be open on November 8?

Yes. The Elections Office plans on staffing all 154 precincts with 315 voting machines.

Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

Yes. The machines undergo testing before every election. The machines performed very well in the last five elections.

Have any polling locations changed for this election?

No

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

Facemasks are optional.

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