Tune in to any news channel and you will see newscasters emphasizing the importance of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania voters in the upcoming election. Regardless of your political leanings, it is more important than ever to exercise your right to vote. However, in providing more options in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, voting has gotten a little more complicated and confusing. Let's clear up some of the most common questions and help you come up with a plan for making sure your vote counts on Election Day.
What are my voting options in 2020?
- Mail-In Ballot (NEW)
- Absentee Ballot
- In-Person Voting
What is the difference between a Mail-In Ballot and an Absentee Ballot?
An Absentee Ballot requires a reason for requesting one, such as illness, disability, or plans to be away on Election Day. A Mail-In Ballot (new to PA) may be requested by any qualified voter with no reason required, and can be used in lieu of absentee ballots.
How do I apply for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot?
You may apply for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot online or in person. To apply online, go to www.votespa.com. You may also apply in person at the Board of Elections office in Doylestown, the Upper Bucks Government Services Center in Quakertown, or the Lower Bucks Government Services Center in Levittown (see below for addresses). However you choose to apply, be sure to apply only once as multiple applications will slow down the Board of Elections' ability to process new applications.
Bucks County Board of Elections Office 55 E. Court St. Doylestown, PA 18901 215-348-6154 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | Upper Bucks County Government Services Center 261 California Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-7250 Hours: Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | Lower Bucks County Government Services Center 7321 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19055 267-580-3500 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
I received and completed my Mail-In or Absentee Ballot. Now what do I do to make sure my vote counts?
To submit your completed ballot, be sure to follow all directions. Once completed, you may mail it in using the provided postage-paid envelope, or you may drop it off at one of three drop boxes located in Doylestown, Quakertown, and Levittown.
Absentee/Mail-In Ballot Drop Box Locations | |
Bucks County Board of Elections Office 55 E. Court St. Doylestown, PA 18901 215-348-6154 | Upper Bucks County Government Services Center 261 California Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-7250 | Lower Bucks County Government Services Center 7321 New Falls Road Levittown, PA 19055 267-580-3500 |
Absentee/Mail-In Ballot Drop Box Hours (all locations)October 5th to October 26th: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday though Friday October 27th to November 3rd (Extended Hours): 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, November 3rd (Election Day) | |
I'm worried that I waited too long to request my Mail-In or Absentee Ballot. Can I still vote without attending a polling location on Election Day?
YES! In-person, on-demand Absentee and Mail-In Voting is available at the County offices in Quakertown, Doylestown, and Levittown Monday through Friday from October 5th until October 27th, which is the deadline to apply. Reserve a time to fill out and submit your on demand mail-in ballot using the links below so that staff can prepare your paperwork ahead of time. If the time slot is filled and you still plan on arriving without an appointment, please know you may have a longer wait time. If you choose to request an on-demand paper ballot, you must complete the ballot on the spot and give your ballot directly to a Board of Elections employee. Use these links to make an appointment. Please remember that the deadline for requesting an on-demand ballot is October 27th.
Click here for Quakertown location sign-up link
Click here for Doylestown location sign-up link
Click here for Levittown location sign-up link
It's after October 27th. Now what can I do?
You can still vote in person at your regular polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
I requested a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot, but it didn't arrive in time. Can I still vote?
YES! You can still vote in person at your regular polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. You will need to explain that your ballot did not arrive in time and request a provisional ballot when you arrive at the polling location.
What is the deadline for returning my Mail-In or Absentee Ballot?
All ballots must be post-marked by November 3, 2020, and received by Friday, November 6, 2020 in order to count in the election.
For more information, visit the 2020 Bucks County General Election Portal and watch this comprehensive video by Bucks County Commissioner, Bob Harvie. And whatever you do, please vote!!!
