A voter steps from the voting booth Nov. 6, 2018, after casting his ballot in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
(The following is a release from Montgomery County regarding consolidation of polling centers.)
Montgomery County officials announced the consolidation of its 352 polling locations for the June 2 primary election in response to poll worker and voter safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 11, the Montgomery County Board of Elections implemented changes to the Pennsylvania Election Code to operate 140 polling locations – a 60% reduction. The plan moves all polling locations into public schools for the primary election only. This plan was implemented to account for the limited number of poll workers and polling locations available for this election as a result of the public health emergency.
“We are doing everything we can to hold a safe election for those who want to work at the polls and vote in-person,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., Chair, Montgomery County Board of Elections. “School buildings provide a space for minimal exposure for voters, adequate parking, and space for social distancing.”
All school district superintendents have been notified, and school buildings will be sanitized after Election Day.
Letters have been mailed to all households with eligible voters advising them of where to find their temporary polling place. The changes will also be posted on the door of each original polling location.
Voting equipment will be sanitized throughout the day, hand sanitizer will be provided, and areas will be marked so that voters can maintain social distancing rules while waiting in line and filling out their ballots.
“To help minimize exposure and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the polls, we are asking voters to wear protective face masks and bring their own black pen,” said Lawrence. “Voters who don’t feel comfortable casting their ballot in-person can apply for a mail-in ballot.”
The deadline to apply for the mail-in ballot is May 26, but officials are urging voters to apply immediately to ensure adequate turnaround. Mail-in ballots must be received by Voter Services by June 2 at 8 p.m. Postmark dates do not apply. Apply for a mail-in ballot at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov.
For more information about the June 2 primary election and where to vote, visit www.montcopa.org/voterservices or call 610.278.3280.
See also:
Nearly 1 Million Pennsylvanians Have Applied For A Mail-In Ballot For June 2 Primary Election
Gov. Wolf Encourages Voters to Apply for a Mail-in Ballot
State Officials Aim To Quell Election Day Concerns Ahead Of Pennsylvania Primary
For First Time, Pennsylvanians Can Now Request Mail-In Ballot For Any Reason
Pennsylvania Delays Primary Election Until June 2
