LWVPA OP t1_it7zdzc wrote on October 21, 2022 at 4:21 PM

MP: Voting by mail is safe, secure and convenient! Below are general steps on how to vote, prepare, and return your mail ballot. More info from the PA Dept of State vote.pa.gov/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx

Step 1: Read the instructions carefully and mark your ballot. Be sure to complete the front and back of each page.

Step 2: Seal your ballot in the inner secrecy envelope that indicates "official election ballot." Do not make any marks on the inner secrecy envelope.

Your ballot must be enclosed and sealed in the inner secrecy envelope that indicates "official election ballot" or it will not be counted.

Step 3: Seal the inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope. Complete the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope.

If you do not complete the declaration on the return envelope your ballot will not be counted.

Step 4: Return your voted ballot to the county election board. Absentee and Mail-in Ballots must be received by 8 pm on election day at your county election board. To ensure your ballot is received by the deadline, return the ballot as soon as possible.

LenniLanape t1_it86zmd wrote on October 21, 2022 at 5:12 PM

Step 3 says to complete the voter's declaration. Is that where you sign and date it? Also, I'm a little confused about that part. I've read that the PA Voting Law says you must do this AND YET the acting Secretary of State Leigh M. Chapman said county elections officials should count mail-in votes that arrive in exterior envelopes with inaccurate or nonexistent handwritten dates, DESPITE the state law requirement. This is confusing and concerning to me.

rndljfry t1_it8qoqu wrote on October 21, 2022 at 7:23 PM

>Step 3 says to complete the voter's declaration. Is that where you sign and date it? Also, I'm a little confused about that part.

Yes.

In 2020 they separated ballots that arrived late, but still counted them just in case. If the race comes down to those ballots, they may resolve it in court before certifying it. If they are statistically irrelevant (they usually are) it will just be a note.