What to know ahead of 2024 Election Day

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — As we get closer to the November election, there are some important details every voter needs to keep in mind to ensure their vote counts.

Election Day is right around the corner, so now is the time to double-check everything to make sure you’re set to cast your vote on November 5.

The countdown to Election Day is on, and whether you’re voting in person or by mail, there are critical steps to follow with a state supreme court ruling in effect, Pennsylvania voters could have their mail-in ballots tossed out if they don’t follow specific guidelines.

“Once you fill it out you put it into the yellow secrecy envelope, you seal the yellow secrecy envelope, you put that into the purple outer return envelope, you’ll sign it and you’ll date it with today’s date which is whatever date you’ve completed that ballot to send in,” said Luzerne County Elections Director Emily Cook.

The ballot must be dropped off by the person who filled it out. That means your ballot can not be dropped off by someone else unless you have authorization.

“If they have some kind of disability that they’re unable to return that ballot they can authorize a designated agent and we have those forms,” Cook explained.

If you’re a first-time voter heading to the polls, you’ll need to bring some identification.

“Poll workers will ask for your name and confirm who you are in order to check you in, and make sure that you are registered and qualified in that district. First-time voters are required to bring some kind of ID,” Cook added.

Double-check your voter registration as deadlines to change anything on your registration are fast approaching.

“October 21, is the deadline for registering to vote or making any changes to your voter registration, any applications received before then will be processed and your change will be made, following that we have the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot which is October 26,” Cook stated.

Of course, expect to see some long lines, so plan your day accordingly if you are voting in person.

Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. on Election Day, they will remain open until 8:00 p.m., and no ballots will be accepted after that time.

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