Reminder: Deadline coming up for mail-in ballots applications

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of State announced that voters have four weeks to apply for a mail ballot for the November 5 general election.

According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth AI Schmidt, they are reminding PA voters who want to vote by mail have until 5:00 p.m. on October 29 to apply for their ballot.

“Casting your ballot by mail is a safe, secure, and convenient way to vote,” Schmidt said.

Here are some tips officials have listed for voters after they receive their mail ballot:

• Read the instructions carefully
• Fill out the ballot, being sure to follow instructions on how to mark their candidate selections
• Seal the ballot in the yellow secrecy envelope marked “Official Election Ballot”
• Seal the yellow envelope in the larger outer return envelope
• Sign and write the current date on the voter’s declaration on the larger envelope

There are many ways to ensure your ballot is collected and counted.

• You can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot online or in person
• Once completed the county board of elections must receive voter’s ballot by 8:00 p.m. on November 5. One received after this time frame cannot be counted. Some counties may offer drop boxes or other drop-off sites for mail ballots
• If you have received a mail-in ballot or an absentee may vote in person on Election Day if they bring their mail ballot materials with them to be voided

Officials note voters still have the option of voting in person on Election Day at the polls which will open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., find your polling place at vote.pa.gov

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