ELECTION Q&A
The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of frequently asked questions for the municipal election Nov. 7.
What will be on the ballot?
You can view the municipal election ballot for the Nov. 7 election at northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/Sample-Ballots.aspx.
Who can vote in the municipal election?
All registered voters can vote in the municipal election Nov. 7. You can check your registration status at vote.pa.gov. The deadline to register to vote in the municipal election was Oct. 23.
Where do I vote in person?
Check your polling location at northampton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fdf263285afa4bd9a0adaa9fd04a3851.
Can I vote by mail?
Act 77 allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the elections office or at pa.gov or northamptoncounty.org. The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Oct. 31.
How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?
Citizens who sign up online at vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at 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, such as a duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, no party affiliation, etc. Also, some local groups send out unsolicited voter registration and mail-in ballot applications, confusing some voters into applying more than once. If you have any questions, contact the elections office at 610-829-6260 or elections@norcopa.gov.
When will mail-in ballots begin to be sent out?
Mail-in ballots started to be sent Oct. 2. Voters can check the status of their ballot online at pa.gov.
I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the elections office on time.
All ballots must be returned to the elections office by 8 p.m. Nov. 7. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible.
Mail-in ballots can be returned:
• By mail. If you plan to mail your ballot, we suggest putting it in the mail no later than Nov. 1.
• Directly to the Northampton County Elections Office at the government center, 669 Washington St., Easton, 18042.
• At one of the secure ballot drop boxes.
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 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 elections office no later than 8 p.m. Nov. 7.
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, 18042; 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
• Northampton County Human Services Building, 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, 18020; 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
• Northampton County 911 Center, 100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, 18064; 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
• Bethlehem City Hall, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, 18018; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. This drop box will be available until 8 p.m. Nov. 7.
Can someone else deliver my ballot to the elections office?
State law says voters must drop off their own ballot, 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. The form can be downloaded from pa.gov.
Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?
Ballot on Demand will be available at the county government center 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 28. The last day will be 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31. You must be registered to vote in Northampton County by Oct. 23. Bring an ID.
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?
Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 7. If you are in line by 8 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.
Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?
The machines undergo extensive testing before each election. The machines also received upgrades in March to the latest security upgrade.
Who should voters call if they have problems or questions either before or on Election Day?
Call 610-829-6260 or email elections@norcopa.gov.