Franklin County Voters Receive Crucial Guidance Ahead of Municipal Primary

Franklin County voters are being provided with essential information to ensure a smooth and informed experience at the polls for Pennsylvania’s Municipal Primary on May 19. The Franklin County Board of Election has released details addressing common inquiries regarding polling hours, voter registration verification, polling place locations, and ballot submission. This information aims to equip all registered voters with the knowledge they need to participate effectively in the upcoming election.

Polling stations across Franklin County will open their doors at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. Voters who are already in line at the 8 p.m. closing time will still be permitted to cast their ballots. For those unsure about their current registration status, party affiliation, or assigned polling place, the SURE Public Portal at http://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov offers a convenient way to look up this information. Alternatively, voters can reach out directly to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886 for assistance.

Franklin County hosts a total of 73 polling places, and it is imperative that voters cast their ballots at the location designated for their specific address. This assignment is typically noted on a voter’s registration card. The aforementioned SURE Public Portal can also be used to verify polling place locations and even obtain directions from a voter’s home. A notable change for this election is the Fannett-Dry Run precinct, which has moved to a new permanent location at the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, situated at 16950 Main St., Spring Run.

Voters who have received an absentee or mail-in ballot must ensure it is returned by the deadline of 8 p.m. on May 19. While voters are encouraged to mail their ballots as early as possible to allow for timely delivery by U.S. mail, those concerned about potential delays can opt to deliver their completed ballots in person. These in-person submissions will be accepted at the Franklin County Voter Registration Office, located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg. It is important to note that voted absentee or mail-in ballots will not be accepted at individual polling places.

The May 19 primary ballot will feature a range of offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, representative in congress, representative in the general assembly, and state and local party committee positions. Voters registered as Independent or with a minor political party will not be eligible to vote in this particular election. Sample ballots, which provide a preview of the candidates and propositions voters will encounter, are available for review on the Franklin County website at http://www.franklincountypa.gov. Sample ballots can also be obtained in person at the Franklin County Commissioners’ Office, also located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.

Identification requirements for voters vary. Only those casting a ballot in an election district for the first time will be asked to present an approved form of identification, which can be either a photo or non-photo ID. All other voters will not be required to present identification at the polling place. In terms of accessibility, all polling places in Franklin County have been designed to be handicapped accessible.

Assistance with voting is permitted only under specific circumstances. Voters may receive help if their registration record indicates a need for assistance or if they complete and sign a declaration of need at the polling place before entering the voting booth. The individuals who can provide assistance are broadly defined, with exceptions for the judge of election, the voter’s employer or their agent, or a union officer or agent. To aid voters who may experience difficulty reading their ballot, each polling place will be equipped with a magnifier featuring bifocal lenses.

Campaigning activities at polling places are regulated by the Election Code. Individuals or candidates involved in campaigning are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the entrance of any polling place during voting hours. For those seeking more in-depth information about the candidates appearing on the ballot, local newspapers are recommended resources. Additionally, voters can contact the Franklin County Democratic Committee at 717-530-1662 or the Franklin County Republican Party at 717-263-7999.

For any questions pertaining to voter registration, individuals should contact the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886. Election-related inquiries should be directed to the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3812. Further details on elections and voter registration can be found on the Franklin County website.

Franklin County employs a digital scan ballot system utilizing a DS200 Precinct Counter. An online demonstration and instructional video on how to vote using this system is available at http://www.votespa.com under the “Voting at a Polling Place; Know What to Expect; Find a video demo” section. For voters who are blind or visually impaired, an assistive marking device known as an ExpressVote is available at each polling place. A demonstration of this device can also be accessed via the same website. Election results for Franklin County will be posted on the county’s official website. Statewide results from other counties can be viewed on the Department of State’s website at http://www.pa.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Board of Elections

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