Election time — information for the general election

It might seem like just yesterday when you voted but it is time once again to relearn everything you experienced about mail in ballots and voting at the polls. Election day for many major local elections and for judges is just around the corner on Nov. 2.

If you forgot the process for mail in ballots do not be discouraged. This will provide you with a step-by-step review. First, if you have not already requested a mail-in ballot but want to vote by mail, the time is short. The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 26, 2021 by 5 p.m. This could be done online or in person at Voter Services. Considering delays in mail service, if you did not previously request a mail-in ballot you might seriously consider the traditional alternative of voting in person at the polls on election day.

If you previously completed the form requesting renewal of your mail-in ballot status you may have already received your ballot or it might be on the way.

So, assuming you have your mail-in ballot, what now? Here are step-bystep instructions you can follow to assist.

Actions to take now

• First, open the envelope you received. Take out the ballot and the two enclosed envelopes. One will be the return envelope to Voter Services already addressed (the return envelope). In Chester County postage is already taken care of. Check this, though, if you are a voter in another county. You will be writing on the return envelope so put it aside for the moment.

• The other enclosed envelope, (the privacy envelope), states “Official Election Ballot” and will contain your ballot. DO NOT WRITE OR PUT ANY MARKINGS ON THE PRIVACY ENVELOPE. This is important. Some mistakes can invalidate the ballot so you need to pay attention.

• Review the ballot and blacken the circles beside your choices in black ink.

• NOTE: Pennsylvania eliminated straight party voting so you need to vote for each position. You cannot say simply straight Democratic or straight Republican.

• Place your voted ballot inside the envelope marked Official Election Ballot (the privacy envelope). Seal the envelope.

• Place the privacy envelope inside the larger second envelope which is preaddressed to Voter Services (the return envelope). You are not yet done.

• On the reverse of the return envelope sign your name exactly how it appears on the ballot and date it. If you forgot how your name appears on the ballot, this is typed on the return envelope itself. You should look on the right side of the return envelope just below the bar code. Seal the outer envelope.

• If you are disabled such that you need assistance to sign your declaration there is space for a mark, the date, and witnesses to sign. Follow directions or ask for more details.

How to return the ballot

There are choices regarding how to return your ballot. You can simply drop it in a mail box or take it to your post office for mailing. However, with current postal service delays, if you want to act faster in Chester County you can take the mailer to Chester County Government Services Center (the same building where Voter Services is located), 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, and deposit it into the secure drop box. Chester County enclosed a sheet with the mailin ballot which includes Ballot Box Information. The informational sheet indicates two boxes at the Westtown Road location, one a drive-thru open 24/7 and the other available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are multiple other locations also listed at libraries throughout Chester County. Similar arrangements are in place in other Pennsylvania counties so check if you are a voter in another county. Note that you must return your own ballot.

Important points to know

Mail-in ballots must actually be received by 8 p.m. on election day, Nov.2, 2021 (not just postmarked). You cannot drop off a family member or other person’s ballot. There is only one rare exception if the voter has a disability and both parties have signed an official written authorization fully completed and secured to the ballot envelope. Get special instructions if this applies. If you will be voting in person, know your polling place. If you have questions, ask.

Janet Colliton, Esq. is a Certified Elder Law Attorney approved as a specialty under the American Bar Association and the Pa. Supreme Court and limits her practice to elder law, retirement, life care, special needs, guardianships and estate planning and estate administration with offices at 790 East Market St., Suite 250, West Chester, 610-436-6674, colliton@collitonlaw.com. She is a member of the National Academy and Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys and, with Jeffrey Jones, CSA, co-founder of Life Transition Services, LLC, a service for families with long term care needs.