Key Voting Information Released for Franklin County Residents Ahead of Municipal Election

As Pennsylvania’s Municipal Election on November 4 approaches, the Franklin County Board of Elections has released comprehensive guidance to assist voters, particularly first-time voters, with common questions regarding the voting process. The information addresses polling place locations, identification requirements, and options for voters unable to cast their ballot in person on Election Day.

Franklin County is home to 73 polling places, and voters are reminded that they must cast their ballot at the specific location assigned to their residential address. This information can be found on voter registration cards, and voters can also verify their designated polling place and obtain directions through the state’s voter services website, http://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any registered voter in line at 8 p.m. will be permitted to vote.

First-time voters in Pennsylvania are required to present identification before receiving a ballot. Accepted forms include both photo and non-photo identification. Acceptable photo identification, provided it is not expired, canceled, or revoked, includes a Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card, identification issued by any Commonwealth agency, U.S. government-issued ID, U.S. passport, U.S. armed forces ID, student ID, or employee ID. For those without a photo ID, non-photo identification is acceptable if it includes the voter’s name and address. This may include a voter registration card issued by the Voter Registration Office, non-photo ID from the Commonwealth or U.S. government, a firearm permit, a current utility bill, a current bank statement, a paycheck, or a government check. Voters unable or unwilling to provide the required identification will have the option to vote using a provisional ballot.

Residents who are unable to visit their assigned polling place on Election Day have the option to request an absentee or mail-in ballot. Application forms for these ballots are available online through http://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov or the Franklin County website at http://www.franklincountypa.gov. These applications can also be obtained in person at the Franklin County Voter Registration Office, located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, or by calling 717-261-3886.

For those with questions about voter registration, the Franklin County Voter Registration Office can be reached at 717-261-3886. Election-related inquiries should be directed to the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3812. Additional resources and information for first-time voters are also available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website at http://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/new-voters, as well as the county’s website.

It is important for voters in one specific precinct to note a permanent polling place change. Voters in the Metal 3 precinct will now cast their ballots at the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, located at 16950 Main St., Spring Run.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County.

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