Douglas W. Chew, Westmoreland County Commissioner

Frequently Asked Election Questions

Please reach us at doug@votechew4you.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

1. When is the last day to apply to vote in-person early, or by mail ballot, or by absentee ballot

The last day to apply is 5:00PM, October 29. If you are in line in the Election Bureau by 5PM, you are on time, similar to how being in line at your precinct at 8PM is sufficient on Election Day.

2. If I apply to vote in-person early, or by mail ballot, or by absentee ballot, when is the last day to submit my ballot?

The last day to submit your ballot is 8:00PM, November 5 (Election Day) in the Election Bureau.

3. If I go to the Election Bureau to vote in-person, how long will it take?

In order to vote in-person, you need to apply similarly to how you apply for a mail or absentee ballot. Your ID is required to be checked within the PA SURE system. The ID check can take 20 minutes early in the day or as long as 3 hours during the peak times. You must make this application by 5PM on October 29, but you can vote your ballot any time and return it by 8PM November 5 (Election Day).

4. Do I need to wait at the Bureau for my ID to be checked?

No. You can make your application to vote and ask how long it might take for SURE to validate your ID. If the wait is longer than you would like, you may go to a shop around the courthouse or you could even go home. Tell the clerk processing you that you will return. They will give you a suggested time for your return, and then you can arrive, vote, and leave within 5-10 minutes. There is a café in the UP level of the courthouse and various coffee shops and restaurants around us.

5. I got an email 14 days ago that my ballot was being prepared and readied to mail. I STILL haven’t gotten my ballot yet. What do I do?

At this date (October 28), we would suggest you go to the Election Bureau, explain your issue, and they will cancel your original ballot. They will provide you with a new ballot in-person to use. Since you already applied, you will not have that long wait for your ID check, as your ID was already processed in your original application. You are simply getting a new ballot. The original ballot will NOT BE USABLE after it is cancelled, not usable by you or anyone else.

6. I didn’t get my ballot yet and I can’t make it to the Election Bureau. What do I do?

You can go to your precinct on Election Day and vote a provisional ballot. Please follow all of the instructions, including signing the declaratory envelope TWICE.

7. It’s October 28, should I mail back my ballot or what?

All ballots must be in the courthouse by 8PM on election day in order to be counted. A ballot arriving in the Election Bureau at 8:01PM or after will NOT be counted. POSTMARKS do not count. The ballot must get a stamped time of 8:00PM or earlier on Election Day in the Election Bureau if you want it to count. Every election is important, so please plan ahead to vote.

8. What is the last postmark date accepted for ballot returns?

Postmarks are not examined for election mail returns. The only thing that matters is that your ballot is received in the Election Bureau by 8PM on Election night, November 5. If your ballot is postmarked October 5 and your ballot arrives at 8:30pm on Election night, then your ballot will NOT be counted. Your ballot must be INSIDE the Election Bureau by 8:00PM on November 5. The law doesn’t permit otherwise, regardless of the postmark.

9. I planned to vote in person, but I have an emergency and won’t be here on November 5. I missed the October 29 5:00PM cut-off for a regular mail or absentee ballot. What can I do to vote?

In emergency situations (such as an unexpected illness, disability, or last-minute absence from your municipality), you can request an emergency absentee ballot after 5 pm on the Tuesday before the election. The deadline to submit your emergency absentee ballot application to your county election office is 8 pm on Election Day. We strongly suggest that you apply in person and vote after your application is approved. We strongly recommend against using the postal service to deliver applications or to return ballots.

10. What reasons are acceptable for requesting an emergency ballot?

Voters must select a reason for applying for an emergency absentee ballot and describe the circumstances for applying.

The form reads like this:

I hereby apply for an emergency absentee ballot for the reason checked below. (please check one reason below)

 I have or had an illness or physical disability that prevented me from applying for a non-emergency absentee ballot prior to the application deadline.

 I was unable to apply for a non-emergency absentee ballot or mail-in ballot by the deadline due to my business, duties, or occupation.

 I became physically ill or disabled after the deadline to submit an application for a non-emergency absentee ballot.

 I expect to be absent from my municipality on election day and I did not know that I would be absent prior to the application deadline for a non-emergency absentee ballot.

Describe the circumstances that prevented you from applying for a non-emergency absentee ballot before the deadline or that will prevent you from appearing at the polling place on election day: _______.

11. Do I sign a declaratory statement with my emergency ballot?

Yes, you must sign and date a statement similar to other election applications:

I hereby declare that the information I have provided on this emergency absentee ballot application is true and correct and is made subject to the penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).

12. My physical condition doesn’t allow me to get to the courthouse. Can I use a family member to help me?

Yes. You can complete a designated agent form specific to emergency ballots. The form is titled, “Authorize a Representative to Pick up and/or Return Emergency Absentee Ballot.” The voter or authorized representative must return this form and the ballot to the Election Bureau by 8:00 p.m. on election day.

13. What postmark date is acceptable for emergency ballot applications and for ballot returns?

Postmarks are not examined for election mail. The only thing that matters is that your ballot is received in the Election Bureau by 8PM on Election night, November 5. If your ballot is postmarked October 5 and your ballot arrives at 8:30pm on Election night, then your ballot will NOT be counted. Your ballot must be INSIDE the Election Bureau by 8:00PM on November 5. The law doesn’t permit otherwise, regardless of the postmark.

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