Franklin County Voters Offered Mail-In and Absentee Ballot Options for Upcoming Primary

Pennsylvania residents in Franklin County have two distinct methods to cast their ballots for the upcoming General Primary election on May 19, according to information released by the county. Voters can opt for either an absentee ballot or a mail-in ballot, both of which must be completed and returned to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Military and overseas civilian voters have a separate process, requiring them to submit a Federal Post Card application, which can be found at http://www.fvap.gov.

The criteria for requesting an absentee ballot are specific: voters must anticipate being away from their voting district for the entire duration polls are open on Election Day, be unable to visit their polling place due to illness or disability, or be observing a religious holiday that prevents them from voting in person. Additionally, incarcerated individuals who have not been convicted of a felony are also eligible for an absentee ballot. Mail-in ballots, on the other hand, are available to any registered voter who simply prefers to vote by mail rather than attending their polling location on Election Day.

Voters interested in applying for either an absentee or mail-in ballot can do so online through the state’s official election website, http://www.vote.pa.gov. Alternatively, applications can be obtained in person at the Franklin County Voter Registration Office, located at 272 N. Second Street in Chambersburg, or by contacting the office via phone at 717-261-3886. A crucial deadline for submitting applications for both absentee and mail-in ballots is May 12, with applications needing to be received by the Franklin County Voter Registration Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on that date. For those facing emergency situations that prevent them from meeting the regular deadline, the Franklin County Voter Registration Office can be contacted at 717-261-3886 for further information regarding emergency ballot procedures.

Ballot mailing commenced in Franklin County on April 24, making them available for voters to receive and complete. The final deadline for returning these completed ballots, whether submitted by mail or in person, is 8 p.m. on May 19. It is critical for voters to understand that completed ballots must be physically in the possession of the Voter Registration Office by this deadline; postmarks alone will not be considered sufficient. The Franklin County Voter Registration Office operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, on Election Day, May 19, the office will extend its hours until 8 p.m. to accommodate ballot returns.

For those planning to hand-deliver their ballots, a key restriction is in place: voters are only permitted to deliver their own ballot. If a voter needs to designate another individual to submit their ballot on their behalf, a Designated Agent Authorization Form must be completed. This form is accessible on the Franklin County website, http://www.franklincountypa.gov, or can be obtained at the Voter Registration Office. Voters are explicitly prohibited from submitting their completed absentee or mail-in ballots at their assigned polling locations. If a voter who has received an absentee or mail-in ballot wishes to vote in person at their polling location on Election Day, they must surrender their mail-in or absentee ballot and its corresponding declaration envelope to the Judge of Elections. Upon surrender, they will be able to complete declaration forms and receive a regular ballot to cast their vote. Voters who fail to surrender their mail-in or absentee ballots will be issued provisional ballots.

Any inquiries regarding absentee or mail-in ballots can be directed to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886 or the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3812. Additional election resources and information are also available on the Franklin County website.

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

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