Using one of the Philly area’s mail ballot drop boxes this election? Here’s what to know.
Voters must leave their ballots in a drop box by 8 p.m. sharp, on Election Day.
Election Day is right around the corner, and deadlines for mail-in voters are fast approaching.
Pennsylvanians who are casting their vote by mail have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to get their filled-out ballots to their county board of elections. (The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot has passed; if you missed it, you can vote in person or request an emergency absentee ballot.)
There’s a couple ways to ensure your vote counts. Here’s what to know.
» READ MORE: Your guide to the Pa. November election
How can I return my ballot?
For those mailing their ballot, the elections office must have received your votes by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Postmarks don’t count.
Voters can also deposit their ballots in a designated drop box.
Always make sure the ballot is filled out and placed in the provided security sleeve and outer envelope. The voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer envelope must also be signed and dated.
If you have already submitted a mail-in or absentee ballot, you can’t vote at your polling place. But, if you didn’t return your ballot and want to vote in person after all, you can surrender your ballot and return envelope at a polling place, then vote. If you don’t surrender your ballot, you can vote in person by provisional ballot.
What’s a drop box?
Drop boxes are secure boxes — similar to, but not to be confused with, postal boxes — that voters can use to return their mail ballots, without worrying about couriers, mishaps, or delays, according to election officials.
What’s the deadline to drop my ballot off?
Voters must leave their ballots in a drop box by 8 p.m., sharp, on Election Day, Philadelphia election leaders said. People will not be able to drop off their ballots after 8 p.m.
Once the ballot is deposited, it is considered received by the county, and voters don’t need to worry about whether its been collected or transported to the election office before that deadline in order for their vote to count.
But officials encourage people to return their ballot earlier. You can track the progress of your ballot online.
You must drop off your own ballot, unless you have a disability and have given someone else the authority to do so.
Where can I find a drop box?
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s election office is located at City Hall. There are also satellite election offices scattered throughout the city where mail-in ballots can be dropped off.
A complete map of designated drop off boxes and locations can be found here.
Bucks County
Bucks County has 14 official ballot drop box locations, including some at libraries throughout the county. Here’s a complete list.
Chester County
Drop box locations can be found online, here.
Delaware County
Delaware County has more than two dozen drop boxes. Here’s a map.
Montgomery County
There are 18drop boxes locations across Montgomery County. A full list is available here.
New Jersey
New Jersey mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday and received by your county’s board of elections by Monday, Nov. 9.
Officials recommend mailing your ballot at least a few days before Election Day or have a U.S. Postal Service worker manually stamp the postmark to ensure your ballot meets the deadline.
Voters can also place their ballot in drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A complete map of those locations, statewide, can be found here.
