Madison Kwiecinski 

News Editor

Mvk5945@psu.edu

On November 2nd, 2021 the Pennsylvania municipal election will take place. These types of elections typically have a significantly lower voter turnout rate than presidential elections, despite the fact that they provide voters with an increased level of influence over what in government is directly affecting them. Local elections allow voters to elect officials in their area who will be directly responsible for changes they see in their immediate hometown.

In Erie, the November elections will allow voters to elect a new Erie County Executive for the first time in eight years, and to install a new County Sheriff. Voters will also be able to elect people to fill seats on the Erie County Council, the Erie City Council and vote for the Millcreek Township supervisor. 

Voter registration typically closes 15 days prior to elections, and reopens the day after the election. Therefore, if an individual desires to vote in the November elections but is not yet a registered voter, the time to do that is now. Voter Registration forms are also used in order to file a change of address within Erie County, a name change, or a change of party affiliation.  

October 18th will be the final day to register to vote before the November election. If a voter desires to vote by mail-in-ballot or requires a voter absentee ballot, they must apply for the ballot by October 26th. In order to qualify for a voter absentee ballot the registered voter must either have a disability or be absent from the municipality on election day. 

In order to apply for a mail-in-ballot online voters must have a valid PA Driver’s License, or photo I.D. from the PA Department of Transportation, PennDOT. Applications online can be found at pavoterservices.pa.gov and are located under the Ballot Request Application form. A paper mail-in-ballot form can be picked up at a state Wine and Spirits store, a PA State Representative’s office or a county library. You may also contact the local Voter Registration Office to attain one. Paper applications should be returned to the Erie County Voter Registration office, 140 W. Sixth Street room 112, Erie Pa, 16501. 

When voting by mail, the ballots can be turned in multiple ways. First, it can be mailed to the above address with the provided postage, but be sure it arrives prior to the voting deadline at 8pm on November 2nd. It can also be delivered to the secure drop box located in front of the  Erie Courthouse with 24/7 drop off availability. They can also be turned in directly to the Voter Registration Office, with a completed Voters Declaration.

If a voter applies for a mail-in-ballot but does not receive it prior to election day, they are welcome to vote in person as long as their ballot has not been counted. If the ballot is received but an individual would like to vote in person anyway, they may bring their mail-in-ballot to be voided, and then will be able to vote. 

If an individual is voting in-person on election day, Erie County will have one of two ways of voting available at the varying voting places. A hand marked paper ballot or an electronic ballot marking device will be available. 

If using the electronic ballot marking machine, a poll worker will take you to the machine after check-in. Then, the voter will make their selection by selecting the box  next to the name of the person they wish to vote for. The buttons at the bottom of the machines will allow the voter to move forward and back between selections.

The review button at the bottom of the screen will allow the voter to view everyone they have selected at any time throughout the voting process. The chosen candidates can be changed up until the time the voter hits submit. It is permissible to vote for less than the maximum number of candidates but not more. Once all of the ballot is correct, it can be printed and then taken to and inserted into the ballot scanner. 

Poll workers will be available and nearby for all those who need help during the process. Poll workers are an important part of any election day, and are there to make sure things run smoothly and are done correctly. They are trained on protecting the secrecy of a ballot, and are available for voting assistance throughout the entire process.