Absentee, Mail-In Ballots Now Available

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (October 7, 2021) – Absentee and mail-in ballots have begun to be mailed out to voters that have submitted an application. Specimen ballots are also available on the County’s website (www.franklincountypa.gov) for those voters who wish to examine those offices and candidates that will be appearing on their ballot.

Voters now have the option to visit the Franklin County Voter Registration Office located in the new Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, to apply for a ballot, receive a ballot and vote in privacy all in the same visit. There are several 15-minute visitor parking spots directly in front of the building as well as several handicapped parking stalls.

Once receiving an absentee or mail-in ballot in the mail, the voter should mark their ballot as soon as possible and return it, either by mail or in-person. Some important things to remember when voting absentee or mail-in ballots:

• Blacken the ovals completely using a medium point black or blue pen, if possible.
• Fold the ballot and place it in the smaller secrecy envelope marked“OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT.” Failure to perform this step will disqualify your ballot.
• Place the smaller secrecy envelope into the larger one and then fill out, date andSIGN the “Voter’s Declaration” on the back of the envelope. Failure to sign the declaration will cause your ballot to not be counted.

If a voter wishes to return their ballot in person, only the actual voter may hand deliver the ballot. While Franklin County will not be utilizing drop boxes due to security concerns, there will be a location available to return voted ballots Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm:

Voter Registration Office

Franklin County Administration Building

272 N. Second St.

Chambersburg

WARNING: If a voter receives an absentee/mail-in ballot and returns their voted ballot by the deadline, they may not vote at their polling place on Election Day. If they do not return their voted ballot by the deadline, they may vote at their polling place upon surrendering their balloting material (both ballot and declaration envelope) to be voided. A declaration form will also need to be completed by the voter before receiving a regular ballot. If a voter does not return their unvoted absentee/mail-in ballot materials, they may only vote a provisional ballot.

Upcoming important dates include:

• Oct. 18 – The last day to register to vote, or make a change to a voter’s name, address or party affiliation.
• Oct. 26 – The last day to apply for either an absentee or mail-in ballot. All applications must be in the office by 5 p.m.
• Nov. 2 – Absentee and mail-in ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office no later than 8 p.m.

Any questions concerning the upcoming election should be directed to the Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886 or the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3810. You will also find additional election and voter registration information at the county’s website, www.franklincountypa.gov.

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