Pennsylvanians have already returned half of mail ballots sent out

Citizens of the commonwealth aren’t just sitting around and waiting for the Nov. 3 election.

Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar on Friday reported that 1.4 million Pennsylvanians have already returned their ballots.

“About 50 percent of the ballots that have been mailed have already been cast,” Secretary of Boockvar said.

More than 2.9 million mail ballot applications have been approved, and more than 2.8 million mail ballots have been mailed to voters.

Boockvar encouraged those who plan to vote by mail to complete and return their ballot now so they can feel confident that their ballot will be received in time. She also reminded voters that they can drop off their mail-in or absentee ballots at drop box locations, at their county election office or at another officially designated location until 8 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“Drop boxes are a secure and convenient way for voters to drop off their ballots prior to or on election day,” said Secretary Boockvar. “I urge those who are voting by mail ballot this election to consider dropping off their ballot in person to ensure that it is received by their county on time.”

A list of ballot-return sites is available on votesPA.com.

The last day to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Voters may apply online or go to their county election office or other officially designated location to apply for, vote and return their ballot all in one visit. After Oct. 27, voters may still return their ballots in person, but can no longer apply for a mail ballot.

Voters who apply for and receive a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls must bring their entire mail ballot packet with them to be voided, including both envelopes.

If a voter applies for a mail ballot but does not return it and no longer has the mail ballot and envelopes, they may vote by provisional ballot at the polls on election day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they did not vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.

“If you are planning to vote by mail ballot and have not applied, apply today. Don’t wait,” said Boockvar. “If you have your mail ballot, vote it and return it as soon as possible. Make sure that your voice is heard in this election.”