From Northampton County: The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Municipal Primary Election on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
What will be on the ballot?
- You can view the Municipal Primary ballot for the May 16th Municipal Primary at:
Who can vote in the Municipal Primary Election?
- Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for candidates running on their party’s ticket in the Primary Election.
How can I check to see if I’m registered to vote?
- You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov. The deadline to register to vote in the Municipal Primary Election is May 1, 2023.
Where do I vote in person?
- To check your polling location, enter your address at Northampton County (arcgis.com)
Can I vote by mail?
- Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Election’s Office or at Mail-in and Absentee Ballot (pa.gov) or Absentee and Mail-In Voting (northamptoncounty.org). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is on May 9, 2023.
How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?
- Citizens who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov) once the state makes that tool available.
Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?
- There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, no party affiliation, 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 any questions, please contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or elections@norcopa.gov, and someone will assist you.
When will mail-in ballots begin to be sent out?
- Mail-in ballots will be sent on Tuesday, April 18. Voters can check the status of their ballot online at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov).
I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time.
- To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on May 16th. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible or at least get it in the mail by Tuesday, May 9th. Secure ballot drop-off boxes will be available until 8:00PM on May 16th.
What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?
- Mail-in ballots will be accepted if:
- The ballot is enclosed in a sealed secrecy envelope
- The return envelope is signed and dated
- There are no identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope
- The ballot is returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on May 16th
What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?
- Postage on the return envelopes is pre-paid. Voters do not need to add a stamp.
How can I return my mail-in ballot?
- Ballots can be returned by mail; no postage stamp is required. They can be returned directly to the Election’s Office at the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, or at one of the secure ballot drop boxes stationed around the County. Drop boxes will be available starting Wednesday, April 19, 2023. All ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on May 16th.
Where are the secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?
Northampton County Courthouse:
- 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042 – Monday-Friday from 8:30am-8:00pm
Northampton County Human Services Building:
- 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 – Monday-Friday from 8:30am-7:00pm
Northampton County 911 Center:
- 100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064 – Monday-Friday from 8:30am-8:00pm
Bethlehem City Hall:
- 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 – Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm*
- *Drop box will be available until 8:00 pm on Election Night (May 16, 2023)
Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?
- No. PA State Law states that voters must 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 because they are physically unable to do so, you will be asked for a signed “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of the form can be downloaded at Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).
Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?
Yes, Ballot on Demand will be available in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042):
- Monday, April 17 – Friday, April 21 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
- Monday, April 24 - Monday, May 8 (8:30 am - 6:00 pm)
- Saturday, April 29 & Saturday, May 6 (from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- The last day will be Tuesday, May 9 (8:30 am - 5:00 pm)
- You must registered to vote in Northampton County by May 1, 2023
- You must bring an ID with you to the Election Office
I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls.
- Voters who prefer to use the machines must bring their mail-in ballots and the return envelope to the polls. The Judge of Election will spoil the ballot and ask the voter to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing them to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. If you do not bring your mail-ballot and return envelope to the polls you will only be allowed to vote by Provisional ballot.
What time are the polls open on May 16th?
- Between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. on May 16th. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.
Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?
- Yes. The machines undergo testing before the Municipal Primary Election. In addition to testing, the machines also received upgrades to the new ES&S Voting System 6.3.0.0 to ensure expanded security.
Have any polling locations changed for this election?
- Bethlehem 14-3 – St. Anne School, 375 Hickory St., Bethlehem, PA 18017
- Hellertown Borough 3rd Ward – Hellertown Historical Society (Tavern Room), 150 W. Walnut Street, Hellertown 18055
- Lower Saucon Township 1 – Saucon Valley District Administration Bldg. (Door 18), 2097 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown 18055
- Portland Borough – Portland Hook & Ladder Co. #1, 392 Delaware Ave., Portland, PA 18351
Do I have to wear a mask at the polls? What about the poll workers?
- Facemasks are optional.
Who should voters call if they have problems or questions either before or on Election Day?
- The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or elections@norcopa.gov.
Our democracy increases in strength the more we all participate. If you, or someone you know, has an interest in taking a more active role, please consider becoming a poll worker. Poll workers are paid for their training time and work on Election Day: https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/PollWorkers.aspx
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