NorCo MIB FAQs

From NorCo's Elections Office: The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Absentee and Mail-in ballots for the General Election on November 5, 2024.

Can I vote by an absentee or mail-in ballot rather than going to the polls on November 5^th?

Yes, Act 77, which was passed in 2017, allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Elections Office on the Lower Level of the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA, 18042, or you can apply online at www.vote.pa.gov

 

Who can apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot?

Only registered voters can apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot. The last day to register for the General Election is October 21, 2024. You can register at the Elections Office until 8:00 PM that night or file an online application at www.vote.pa.gov by 11:59 PM. Your registration is not complete until it is processed and accepted by the County voter registration office.

 

How do I apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot?

You can apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot apply in person at the Elections Office by 5:00 PM on October 29^th or online at www.vote.pa.gov by 11:59 PM on October 29^th. The ballot will be sent to you via the U.S. Postal Service.

 

How do I vote by Ballot-on-Demand?

 Fill out an application at the Election Office on the Lower Level of the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. You will be asked to provide an ID before receiving your ballot.

* Monday, October 21^st to Friday, October 25th (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM)

*Saturday, October 26^th (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

*Monday, October 28^th (8:30 AM – 8:00 PM)

*The deadline to vote by Ballot-on-Demand is Tuesday, October 29^th (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

 

Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot had been declined?

There are various reasons this may happen: duplicate applications, lack of verifiable ID, etc. Also, local groups send out unsolicited voter registration and mail-in ballot applications, confusing some voters into applying more than once. If you are concerned about any of these issues or have questions, contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov for assistance.

  

I forgot if I applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot and how will I know if it’s been sent or received?

You can check the status of your ballot application and if your ballot has been sent or received at  https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/ballottracking.aspx

 

I sent my ballot, but I have questions about how to properly complete it.

For any questions contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov

  

How do I know my mail-in or absentee ballot will be counted?

To be counted, all ballots must be received by the Elections Office by 8:00 PM on Election Day, November 5^th. Postmarks will not count!

The ballot MUST be sealed inside the YELLOW secrecy envelope. If the secrecy envelope contains any text, marks, or symbols which reveal the identity of the elector, the elector’s political affiliation or the elector’s candidate preference, the envelope and the ballot it contains will be set aside and declared void. The voter MUST sign and date the outer return envelope in the YELLOW highlighted boxes.

 

Does Northampton County “cure” ballots?

Yes, Northampton County has processes in place to make an attempt to cure all ballots with an identifiable and curable defect. Curing is the process undertaken by Elections Office to uniformly screen and review all Mail-in and Absentee ballots and identify ballots that have a defect that would prevent that ballot from being counted. The Elections Office screens for the following defects: missing signature, missing or incomplete date, incomplete ballot packages (such as missing secrecy envelope or ballot) determined by a ballot sorter screening for thickness. Every voter with a defective ballot is contacted by the Elections Office staff and is provided an opportunity to appear in person at the Elections Office and correct their ballot.  

 

What if I made a mistake by filling in the wrong bubble on my ballot?

 If you still have your ballot contact the Elections office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov for guidance.

 

How do I return my absentee or mail-in ballot to be counted in the General Election?

Ballots can be returned directly to the Northampton County Elections Office on the Lower Level of the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. State Law requires that voters only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office you may be asked for your ID. If you drop off someone else’s ballot, you must have a Designated Agent form on file at the Elections office. A copy of the form can be downloaded at www.vote.pa.gov

 

You can return your ballot via the U.S. mail; postage is included on the return envelope so it isn’t necessary to add a stamp. If you mail your ballot, it is recommended you send it no later than October 26^th.

Ballots can also be returned to one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County.

 

Where are the seven secure drop off boxes in Northampton County?

Accessing drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location. Ballots MUST be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks will not count!

 

Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):

669  Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-8:00pm

o  Saturdays: Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 (from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

o  When dropping off a ballot, voters can park for free in the loading-and-unloading zone on Washington Street in front of the Courthouse or use the parking lot at the Wolf Avenue and Washington Street intersection.

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 7:00am – 8:00pm

 

Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-7:00pm

o  Saturdays from 8:00am-2:00pm

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 8:30am – 7:00pm

 Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

o  Open 24/7

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: Open until 8:00pm

 

Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

o  Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 7:00am-8:00pm

 

Washington Township Municipal Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

o  Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-4:00pm

o  Fridays from 7:00am-3:00pm

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 7:00AM - 3:00pm

 

 East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 8:30AM - 3:30pm

 

NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

o  Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-9:00pm

o  Fridays from 7:00am-8:30pm

o  Saturdays from 7:00am-2:00pm

o  ELECTION DAY HOURS: 7:00AM - 8:00pm

Federal Court Finds Merit in NorCo Custody Master's Claim of Retaliation by Judges

I've previously told you that Lisa Tresslar, Northampton County's erstwhile custody matter, has sued in federal court over what she has characterized as her constructive termination by county judges and court administrator Jermaine Greene. On September 3, judges filed a motion to dismiss, claiming that Tresslar "uses a lot of words to say very little, especially about alleged discrimination and retaliation." Federal Judge John Gallagher has agreed to dismiss Tresslar's claims of discrimination but is allowing her complaint of retaliation to move forward. 

In an Order issued on Friday, Judge Gallagher concludes that Tresslar has failed to allege sufficient facts from which to infer she was a victim of sex discrimination. But Judge Gallagher observes that Tresslar does allege that the courts failed to retaliate against similarly situated male employees. Thus, its dismissal is without prejudice. 

Judge Gallagher does, however, find merit in Tresslar's complaint of retaliation. She had voiced concerns over new procedures in custody cases that would shield judges from hearing evidence of child abuse, and Tresslar's contention is that the courts did this to insulate themselves from public rancor in the event that a child was abused after a custody order is entered. It was after she voiced her concerns that the courts basically stripped her of most of her duties, reducing her to a glorified clerk instead of a Harvard-educated attorney. 

Previous stories about this matter:

NorCo Custody Master Resigns, Claims Hostile Work Environment Created by Two Judges and Court Administrator

Who is Lisa Tresslar?

The Importance of Custody Court

Judge Jennifer Sletvold Reported to Judicial Conduct Board For Unfair Treatment of Custody Litigants and Their Lawyer

Why Would I Dare Post About Tresslar's Ouster So Close to Judge Sletvold's Retention Election?

Lisa Tresslar's Value as a Custody Master

 Lisa Tresslar, NorCo's Ousted Custody Master, Has Sued in Federal Court

Great Weekend For Cycling

My grandson and I get together for cycling rides about twice a week. Over the weekend, however, we ventured a bit south. 

On Friday, we hit the Schuylkill River Trail. When finished, it will extend 120 miles from south Philly all the way up to Frackville. At this time, 75 miles of paved and crushed gravel are open. We rode from Conshohocken 10 miles north past Valley Forge National Historical Park. We could have kept going, but had to turn around so we could pick up our packets for the big event on Saturday, the Philly Bike Ride. 

While in Philly, we parked the car and cycled everywhere we had to go. Philly has numerous bike lanes and we took advantage of them.

The Philly Bike Ride is a car-free ride through all of Philly's historic neighborhoods, from South Philly to the historic district to boathouse row at Fairmount Park. It started at 7:30 am and attracted 6,000 people on bicycles. 

We rode this last year, too. There was a bit of rain, but no downpours. This year, there was no rain, but it was very cold and windy at starting time. That made us want to move fast, and we did the 20 miles in under 90 minutes on hybrids.

Philly is very flat, so the ride is quite easy. It was nice to see so many families, little kids, couples and old farts like myself, One fellow rode the course on a unicycle, and another used a bicycle with a saddle that was about 10' off the ground.

It starts and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so we had to pay a visit to Rocky. 

Dent Voted For Harris: "Turn the Page on Dark Politics"

Back in 2010, I was a member of Northampton County's Democratic Committee. I was tied with several others who voted for themselves and ended up the winner in a casting of the lots. This drove the party apparatchiks nuts because I was highly critical of them and I openly supported Republican Congressman Charlie Dent. They even convened a special meeting in an effort to get rid of me. My recollection is that their attempt to remove me failed in a tie vote. And I continued to support Charlie Dent. I still do and consider him the best elected official the Lehigh Valley ever produced in my lifetime. He's a centrist who leans a little to the right. I am a centrist who leans a little to the left. I was very sorry to see him leave public office at a time when people like him are precisely what we need. But I understand why he left. The Trump cult is hard to take, especially when they claim to belong to your party. But Dent continues to impress me. According to Axios, Dent has voted for Kamala Harris.

"[Harris] and I will not agree on every issue, but in her, we have a capable leader who will always put the interests of our country before her own, unlike her opponent who will always put his personal interests ahead of those of the United States," he told Axios. "We have the opportunity – and solemn responsibility – to finally turn the page on the dark politics Trump has ushered in and elect a decent, honorable leader for President," he added.

Isn't it time to reject the fearmongering and hate?

Vice President Kamala Harris In The Belly of the Beast

Last night, around 7 pm, I received a call from a Trump supporter who had just watched Fox News anchor Bret Baier "interview" VP Kamala Harris and thought she looked pitiful. I was able to find the interview (you can see it yourself above) on YouTube, and had a completely different take on it.

First, in stark contrast the Trump's portrayal of her as a dumb woman, she came across as pretty tough and far more knowledgeable than he or Baier.

Second, I give Trump credit for his willingness to go into hostile territory and face tough questions. But he often rambles when he answers. Harris has now demonstrated she has can go into enemy territory and respond with actual facts as opposed to blatant lies. Did she sidestep some questions? Yes, she was traversing a minefield. Overall, I thought she looked Presidential. 

Third, Fox Host interviewer Baier was mostly parroting Trump's talking points and repeatedly interrupted her when she tried to answer questions. I'm sure this was noticed by Republican-leaning women who watched the broadcast. 

NorCo Elections FAQs

Blogger's Note: Before every election, NorCo's elections office provides a FAQ on questions that commonly arise.  I believe this is extremely helpful. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

·        To vote in the Presidential Election on November 5^th you must be a U.S. Citizen, be 18 years or older by Election Day, be a Pennsylvania resident, not confined in a prison, jail or other penal institution serving a sentence for conviction of a felony as of the date of the election and not have been convicted of a violation of a provision of the Pennsylvania Election Code within the last four years.

What if I recently moved into the area?

·        To register and vote in Northampton County, you must have resided here for at least 30 days prior to the election. If you’ve moved within 30 days of a presidential election, both federal and state law allow you to vote for President in your previous place of residence if you haven’t already registered at your new address.

 

How can I register to vote in Northampton County?

·        Eligible voters can register in person at the Elections Office located in the Lower Level of the County Courthouse at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. To register by mail, download a blank voter registration form at the vote.pa.gov website or fill out the online application there and submit it electronically. Your registration is not complete until it is processed and accepted by the County voter registration office.

 

What is the deadline to register to vote?

·        The last day to register for the presidential election is October 21, 2024. You can register at the Elections Office until 8:00 PM that night or file an online application at vote.pa.gov by 11:59 PM.

 

 How do I know my application has been accepted or if my ballot has been received?

·        Citizens who sign up on vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at vote.pa.gov.

 

After I register and my application is approved, how can I vote?

·        Ballot-On-Demand voting is available at the Elections Office, Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM until Tuesday, October 29^th. On October 29^th, Ballot-On-Demand voting will end at 5:00 PM.

·        To vote via an absentee or mail-in ballot apply either in person at the Elections Office or online at vote.pa.gov by 5:00 PM on October 29^th.

·        To vote in-person, the polls will be open on Nov. 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you are in line at 8:00 PM, you will be allowed to cast a ballot.

 

Do I need to present any identification at the polls on Election Day?

·        The first time you vote, or are a new voter to a particular precinct, you must bring a photo, or non-photo ID. Identification is not required from people who have previously voted at their polling place.

 

What if I have a disability which makes it difficult to vote on the machine at the polls?

·        The ES&S ExpressVote XL has accommodations for voters with macular degeneration or other hearing and visual impairments. Alert the poll workers if you need one of these accommodations.

What if I have a disability that makes it difficult to vote without assistance?

·        Registered voters who need assistance may bring someone with them to the polling place. You will be asked to complete and sign a Declaration of Need Assistance form. If you cannot take your mail-in ballot to a mailbox or to one of the County’s secure ballot drop boxes, you must designate someone, in writing, to deliver it for you by filling out a Designated Agent Form. Both forms are available at the Election Office or the vote.pa.gov website.

 

How can I be sure my mail-in ballot will be accepted?

·        Your ballot MUST BE enclosed in the YELLOW secrecy envelope and sealed. There can be no identifying marks or symbols on the YELLOW envelope. The return envelope must be signed and dated on the back in the appropriate yellow boxes.

What is the deadline to return my mail-in or absentee ballot?

·        The ballot must be returned to the Election’s Office no later than 8:00 PM on Election Night, Tuesday, November 5^th. Postmarks do not count. A list of secure ballot drop-off boxes is listed below.

Who should I call if I have problems or questions either before or on Election Day?

·        The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or elections@norcopa.gov   

 

Mail-in and absentee ballots may be returned to the Elections Office in person, via the U.S. mail (postage is included on the envelope) or in one of Northampton County’s seven secure ballot drop-off boxes. Accessing drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location. Ballots MUST be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks will not count!

 

·        Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):

669  Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-8:00pm

o  Saturdays: Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 (from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

o  When dropping off a ballot, voters can park for free in the loading-and-unloading zone on Washington Street in front of the Courthouse or use the parking lot at the Wolf Avenue and Washington Street intersection.

 

·        Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-7:00pm

o  Saturdays from 8:00am-2:00pm

 

·        Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

o  Open 24/7

 

·        Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

o  Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm

o  Election Day (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) accessible from 7:00am-8:00pm

 

·        Washington Township Municipal Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

o  Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-4:00pm

o  Fridays from 7:00am-3:00pm

 

·        East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

o  Monday-Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm

 

·        NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

o  Monday-Thursday from 7:00am-9:00pm

o  Fridays from 7:00am-8:30pm

o  Saturdays from 7:00am-2:00pm

Fed Ed Finally Apologizes

After having spent the past six years in an assortment of federal prisons, disgraced Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is finally expressing remorse for the crimes he committed as Mayor. 

According to WFMZ-TV69, he is asking President Joe Biden to commute his 15-year sentence, and apparently realizes his only shot at getting any kind of relief is to accept responsibility for his misbehavior. 

I was highly critical of Fed Ed while he was in office and did my best to cast a spotlight on his misconduct. But even I agree he has been behind bars long enough. In late 2022, I sent a letter to the Pardon Att'y to request that his 15-year sentence be reduced. 

Whether it is genuine or not, he has now finally apologized. 

The People Who Knew Trump Best Do Not Support Him

Monday was Columbus Day, aka Indigenous People's Day, so several banks, government offices and the post office were closed. In NorCo, which was open, many people used the holiday to exercise their franchise and cast their "ballot by demand" at the county elections office. As we all know, many of them support Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. I support Harris and consider Trump totally unfit for any office, to say nothing of the Presidency.

I'm a bottom-feeding blogger, the lowest of the low. So what I think should mean little to most of you. But the image above should. The New York Times editorial board has a list of comments from his former staffers, the people who know him best.  

Bill Barr, his former Attorney General, said Trump "will always put his own interests and gratifying his own ego ahead of everything else … .” Gen. John Kelly, Director of Homeland Security and his Chiefm of Staff, calls him "a person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators.” From former VP Mike Pence to former Defense Sec'y James Mattis, the list is long and distinguished.

If you are a member of the Trump cult, this post is worthless. But if you are capable of looking at things a little more objectively. I'd hope you'd realize he is simply a terrible choice to lead this nation.