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1 million Pa. voters sign up to vote by mail in June primary
Ioannis Pashakis//May 4, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Monday that nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians have already applied to vote by mail-in ballot for the June 2 primary election. It is the first time that Pennsylvanians can vote by mail without an excuse.
In October, Wolf signed Act 77 of 2019, which provided $90 million for new voting systems, increased the time for voters to register to vote and to return absentee mail-in ballots, and allowed any voter to vote by mail with a stated reason.
Wolf said on Monday that his signing of the act came at a perfect time now that voters are practicing social distancing.
“We are in an unprecedented time and are facing a major public health crisis in a presidential election year,” he said. “I want Pennsylvanians to know that they have options for how to cast their ballots, including both voting by mail and voting in person. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and Pennsylvanians can still cast their ballots while keeping themselves safe and healthy.”
Registered voters can apply for the mail-in ballot until 5 p.m. on May 26 and have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to return the ballot.
The Pennsylvania Department of State recently launched a campaign to make Pennsylvania’s voters aware of the changes to mail-in ballots, including sending 4.2 million postcard to primary voters.
“Our priority is to ensure the integrity of our elections while also keeping Pennsylvania voters safe,” said Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “Voting by mail-in ballot is a secure way to vote from the comfort of your own home and to make sure that your voice is heard on Election Day.”
The postcards will also remind voters of the state’s new election date, which was shifted from April 28 to June 2 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
