Plan HOW YOU WILL VOTE
You can now choose the most convenient way to vote - by mail OR in person at your polling place on Election Day. But there are deadlines and the mail is slower than before, so make your plan NOW.
How to vote by mail
Step 1: APPLY for a mail in ballot
Step 2: FILL OUT your ballot
When you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully:
DO:
Watch this short video tutorial on how to fill in your ballot CORRECTLY: https://youtu.be/FuDTzB9ZuuI
Step 3: RETURN your completed ballot
How to vote at the polls
You can now choose the most convenient way to vote - by mail OR in person at your polling place on Election Day. But there are deadlines and the mail is slower than before, so make your plan NOW.
How to vote by mail
Step 1: APPLY for a mail in ballot
- Go to www.vote.pa.gov , click on the “Mail in and Absentee Ballots” button, and follow the easy instructions
- A ballot will be mailed to you.
- Your completed application for your mail in ballot must be received in the county office by 5:00 PM on November 1.
- IMPORTANT TIP if you are applying for your mail in ballot near or after November 1
- The election is November 8th, and the mail is slow so you may not receive your mail in ballot on time to vote (your completed ballot must arrive at Voter Services by 8:00pm on election day in order for your vote to count)
- You should instead GO TO VOTER SERVICES IN PERSON to apply for and receive your mail in ballot on the spot: 601 Westtown Road, West Chester PA 19380 (610-344-6410). You will be able to apply for and receive your ballot, fill it out, and turn it in during this one visit. But be sure to do your research first on the candidates! (See Sections 4 and 5)
- If you receive your mail in ballot very close to the election, don’t trust the mail!! Complete your ballot, then take your completed ballot to a BALLOT DROP BOX instead. These are located at public libraries throughout the County and also at the Government Services Building on Westtown Road in West Chester. Find all ballot drop box locations and hours here: https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
- NOTE: You may only deposit your own ballot in a drop box or mailbox. EXCEPTION: If you need to help someone who is unexpectedly unable to return their own mail in-ballot (for example they go into the hospital or test positive for Covid 19 and must isolate) there is a legal process you can follow to deliver their ballot for them, even on election day. Contact Chester County Voter Services for instructions: 610-344-6410.
Step 2: FILL OUT your ballot
When you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully:
DO:
- Fill in the oval with a black pen for EVERY position on the ballot
- Put your completed ballot into the secrecy envelope and seal it shut.
- Put the sealed secrecy envelope into the return envelope and seal it shut.
- Sign and Date the return envelope where indicated
- Make sure the return envelope has prepaid postage or use a stamp
- Call Voter Services if you forget to put your ballot into the secrecy envelope, or make a mistake in any of the above, because that mistake might cause your ballot to be rejected
- Make any identifying marks on the ballot OR the secrecy envelope
- Tape the secrecy envelope or the return envelope
Watch this short video tutorial on how to fill in your ballot CORRECTLY: https://youtu.be/FuDTzB9ZuuI
Step 3: RETURN your completed ballot
- Mail your completed ballot back immediately! No later than 2 weeks before Election Day
- If it’s within 2 weeks of the election date, bring to a Ballot Drop Box instead
- Check here for secure Drop Box locations in Chester County: https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
- You may only drop YOUR OWN BALLOT in a drop box. It is illegal to drop another person’s ballot, even it it’s a relative’s, friend’s or neighbors, with one EXCEPTION:
- If you need to help someone who is unexpectedly unable to return their own mail-in ballot (for example they go into the hospital or test positive for Covid 19 and must isolate) there is a legal process you can follow to deliver their ballot for them, even at the last minute on election day. CALL Chester County Voter Services for instructions: 610-344-6410.
How to vote at the polls
- Find your polling place listed on your voter registration card, or check on www.vote.pa.gov (click on the “Voting in PA” tab then scroll down to “Where’s my polling place?”)
- Go to your polling place between 7am – 8pm. You may bring your kids.
- You do NOT need ID unless you are a first-time voter or are voting in a new location. Acceptable ID includes driver’s license, US passport, voter registration card, military, student or employee ID, firearm permit, current utility bill or bank statement, paycheck or government check, any ID issued by PA or federal government.