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TODAY: Join us at 10 a.m. for an election discussion with Sec. of the Commonwealth @KathyBoockvar moderated by @AngelasInk: https://www.facebook.com/events/668010347432724/
LIVE: Watch our election discussion with Sec. of the Commonwealth @KathyBoockvar: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightPennsylvania/videos/366191387909024
Q1: Have counties discarded any mail-in ballots for a lack of a secrecy envelope or signature?
A: People are just starting to return ballots, so it's too soon to say. But both the state and nonprofits are doing a great job getting out the word about "naked" ballots.
A: People are just starting to return ballots, so it's too soon to say. But both the state and nonprofits are doing a great job getting out the word about "naked" ballots.
Q2: Will a voter know that their ballot has been discarded or is ineligible in time for them to do something about it?
A: It depends. A lack of a signature on an outer envelope is an obvious problem and clearly belongs to a voter who can be reached by email, mail, or call.
A: It depends. A lack of a signature on an outer envelope is an obvious problem and clearly belongs to a voter who can be reached by email, mail, or call.
A2/continued: But, a county may not see that a ballot is "naked" — has no secrecy envelope — until after Election Day.
That's why it's extremely important to use both envelopes to return a mail-in ballot.
That's why it's extremely important to use both envelopes to return a mail-in ballot.
Q3: What happens if the state high court rejects your request to prevent ballots from being discarded over a signature mismatch?
A: Voting is extremely secure. Your identity and eligibility is checked multiple times.
A: Voting is extremely secure. Your identity and eligibility is checked multiple times.
A3/continued: But if the ruling goes against the Wolf admin, we don't anticipate large numbers of ballots being thrown out for this reason.
Q4: Where do negotiations stand between the admin and the GOP lawmakers on giving counties time before Election Day to process ballots?
A: This has widespread support. We're one of only 4 states that hasn't done this. We're really urging the legislature to do the right thing.
A: This has widespread support. We're one of only 4 states that hasn't done this. We're really urging the legislature to do the right thing.
Q5: What should be done if someone who is armed or threatening appears at a polling place? Are guns permitted at polls?
A: Any form of intimidation is illegal. PA does allow guns in polling places, but they can't be carried in places like courts.
A: Any form of intimidation is illegal. PA does allow guns in polling places, but they can't be carried in places like courts.
Q6: What is being done to prevent conflicts at the polls?
A: We have a working group that has been preparing for this possibility. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but all counties will have info about what to do.
A: We have a working group that has been preparing for this possibility. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but all counties will have info about what to do.
Q7: Counties have to certify the results by Nov. 23. What happens if counties don't meet the deadline? Would that allow the state legislature to step in and name electors?
A: We believe ballots will be counted well before that. We will do everything to preserve the vote.
A: We believe ballots will be counted well before that. We will do everything to preserve the vote.
Q8: What is the guidance on dropping off ballots for another person? Who is allowed to do it in Pennsylvania, and under what circumstances?
A: This is very clear: You must drop off your own ballot, unless you have a disability. If that's the case, there's a form to fill out.
A: This is very clear: You must drop off your own ballot, unless you have a disability. If that's the case, there's a form to fill out.
Q9: Can a person who requested a mail-in ballot change their mind?
A: Yes, you should bring all materials and hand it in to the poll workers. It will be voided.
If you forget the materials, you can cast a provisional ballot.
A: Yes, you should bring all materials and hand it in to the poll workers. It will be voided.
If you forget the materials, you can cast a provisional ballot.
Q10: What happens if you need to quarantine and can't make it to the polls?
A: There's an emergency absentee voting option. Find that info here: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx
A: There's an emergency absentee voting option. Find that info here: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx
And that's it. Thank you to Sec. of the Commonwealth @KathyBoockvar for joining us. You can find more info about voting here: https://www.votespa.com/Pages/default.aspx
And follow our election coverage here: https://www.spotlightpa.org/topics/elections/
And follow our election coverage here: https://www.spotlightpa.org/topics/elections/
