Mail ballot voters are being reminded that they must seal their ballot in both the white inner secrecy envelope and the pre-addressed outer return envelope for their ballot to count.
“A so-called ‘naked ballot’ is one that is returned without being enclosed in both envelopes, and it won’t be counted. Don’t let your ballot go naked. Remember to ‘dress’ it in both envelopes before returning it,” said Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “We want every eligible Pennsylvanian to vote and have their voice heard.”
Mail ballot voters must also complete and sign the voter’s declaration on the outer envelope. Even if voters plan to drop off their ballot in person in a drop box or other designated drop off location, they must still include the pre-addressed outer envelope with their voter’s declaration signed or their ballot won’t be counted.
Anyone who plans to vote by mail must apply for a mail ballot. Voters can apply online or print a paper application at votesPA.com and return it to their county board of elections. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 27, but voters are urged to apply now, so they have plenty of time to return their ballot before the election.
