Deadline to apply for mailed ballot isTuesday

Voting by mail is likely the safest way to cast a ballot during the coronavirus pandemic, giving voters the ability to avoid crowds at the polls while still fulfilling their civic duty.

And the final day to request a ballot for the 2020 general election is quickly approaching.

Tuesday is the deadline for voters to apply for a mailed ballot to help elect the president, the winner of several state row offices, their representative in Congress, their legislator in the state House and, for some, their lawmaker in the state Senate.

Allowing voters to submit their ballots by mail is new this year. It was one of several changes included in a historic election reform bill signed into law last fall designed by state lawmakers to increase access to the ballot box.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What are mailed ballots?

In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots. You may choose a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot to request, complete and return to your county election office.

• Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of themunicipality on Election Day or if you have a disability or illness, you should request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.

• Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.

In order to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote.

How can I request a mailed ballot?

Voters can apply online by visiting VotesPA. com, apply in person at the county elections office or contact the county elections office directly to request a paper application.

You will need to apply with a valid Pennsylvania identification card or supply the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Howdo I votewith a mailed ballot?

1. Carefully open the ballot package when you receive it in themail.

2. Make sure there is a secrecy envelope included becauseamailed ballot not in a secrecy envelope, also known as a naked ballot, will not be counted.

3. Fill out the ballot immediately.

4. Place your ballot in the secrecy envelope, then put the secrecy envelope into the official envelope. Be sure to sign the declaration or your ballot may not count.

5. Your mailed ballot must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by the county by 5 p.m. the Friday after Election Day to be counted. But with less than two weeks until Election Day, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar has encouraged voters who choose to vote by mail to drop off their completed ballots in person at the county election office or at a secure drop box location so it arrives by the deadline.

Will there be drop boxes for ballots?

Voters can deliver their ballots to two boxes in Berks: in the lobby of the Berks County Services Center, 655 Court St. in Reading or at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road in Bern Township.

The drop boxes are open the following days and hours:

Mondays through Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to noon.

Election Day: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Officials said both drop boxes will be secured by deputy sheriffs. Workers in the election services department will collect the ballots at the end of each day and seal the boxes when the centers are closed to ensure the ballots remain secure.

Voters who choose to drop off their ballots are not allowed to drop off ballots belonging to anyone else— apractice Democrats call community collection and Republicans deem ballot harvesting. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last month that the practice is illegal.