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Absentee Voting

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1. When are ballots being mailed to people who applied to vote by mail?

We began mailing ballots at the end of September. Check out the Voter Services Homepage for the latest number of ballot applications approved, mailed, requested in person, and received for more details. 

If you applied for your ballot on or before October 19th, 2020 and have not received it yet, please click here to complete a form to have your ballot re-issued . This form can be submitted via email and gives you the option to have another ballot mailed to you or to come to our office in Norristown to pick it up. You can also complete this form in person at our office in Norristown. You can also designate another person to pick it up in Norristown. Click here to complete the form verifying that you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and that you are designating an agent to pick up your ballot.

2. Why isn’t the Mail-In Ballot Status Tracker showing that my ballot was received?

The Department of State’s website is currently experiencing a technical issue that may prevent your ballot from showing as received. We are coordinating with them, and once the issue is resolved the system will update. If you provided your email address when you submitted your mail in ballot application, you will receive an email from the system.

Please be assured that every single ballot envelope returned to our office is being scanned into our system, date stamped and sorted by municipality before it is placed in a secure area with 24 hour surveillance.

3. I did not receive a secrecy envelope in my ballot package – what should I do?

Voters who did not receive a secrecy envelope should NOT use a standard envelope to secure their ballot and have the following options:

• 1. Complete this form to have one mailed to your home.
• 2. Pick one up at a Secure Drop Box Location. Click here for a list of locations & their hours of operation.
• 3. Pick one up at any office location. Click here for a list of office locations & their hours of operation. 

Residents CAN pick up secrecy envelopes for other residents.

The secrecy envelope is the smaller envelope that does not require a signature. 

4. Can I vote in person after requesting a ballot?

If you change your mind and want to vote in person after being approved for a mail in ballot you can bring your ballot & the envelopes to the polls with you. You will give your ballot & envelopes to a Poll Worker and they will void it for you; enabling you to vote in person.

The Poll Workers will be able to tell who has requested a mail-in ballot, so if you forget to bring your mail-in ballot & envelopes with you so that it can be voided you will be given a provisional ballot to complete at your polling location. This ballot will only be counted once we verify that your mail-in ballot has not been received by the Election Board.

5. My ballot has a black box on the address - is this ok?

If your ballot arrived with a black box like this, it’s OK!

Your ballot was printed with your address showing twice on the outside envelope. Once on the outside envelope on the left side, and once on the return envelope showing through the window on the right side.

Even though the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Department of State approved this format, USPS asked our printer to cover up the second address to prevent any potential confusion for postal carriers. In an abundance of caution, our printer “blacked out” the additional address in compliance with the USPS request.

Now that you have your ballot, remember to place your completed ballot inside the secrecy envelope and to place the secrecy envelope inside of the postage paid return envelope. Fill out the voter declaration on the back entirely by signing it, dating it with today’s date, printing your name, and filling in your address.

Once your ballot is completed, you may either mail it back to Voter Services with your postage paid envelope or take it to one of the 11 secure drop box or 5 office locations located around the county.

6. My ballot arrived and the envelope is sealed shut. What do I do?

If it’s JUST the secrecy envelope (the smaller envelope that says "Official Election Ballot") you can:

    1. Pick one up at any secure drop box location or office location. 

    2. Complete this form to have a replacement ballot package sent. It will include a ballot, the secrecy envelope and the return envelope.    

If the Return Envelope (the larger envelope that you sign & date) OR both envelopes, please click here to access the proper form.  Once completed, this form can be emailed to us at voters@montcopa.org. 

7. What safety and security measures are in place at polling locations on election day?

As the 2020 General Election approaches, Montgomery County is working to ensure that those who want to vote in person at their polling place on Election Day will be able to do so in an environment that is sanitary, peaceful and free from acts of voter intimidation and/or suppression.

 All Poll Workers will receive face masks, face shields, and gloves to use on Election Day. Each location will be stocked with disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray & hand sanitizer. The voting equipment, voting stations, pens & new, laminated folders will be disinfected frequently. Care has been taken to ensure these items can be effectively disinfected. 

 A Judge of Elections is in place at every polling location. This is an elected position, and the Judge of Election is in charge of all Election Day activities and personnel inside the polling place including the Constable.  They interact with certified Poll Watchers and ensure that all of the rules for Poll Watchers are being followed. 

Constables, and in some cases Deputy Constables, are able to assist that Judge of Elections in keeping order inside of the polling location. The Constable is the first point of contact for maintaining order and addressing any unlawful behavior within the polling place. Each municipality has an independently elected constable that is responsible for the precincts in their municipality on Election Day. These elected constables may also appoint election day constables to assist on election day.

 Poll Watchers represent their political party or candidate and are allowed inside the polling place to observe poll workers and the overall administration of the election. In PA, they must have a Watchers Certificate issued by the Board of Elections permitting them to serve as a watcher on Election Day. These certificates are issued by the Montgomery County Election Board in accordance with PA Law. Watchers are not permitted to mark official election records, delay poll workers in the conduct of their duties, harass or intimidate voters or poll workers, display or hand out campaign materials, solicit votes for a particular candidate, disseminate false information or disrupt voting lines. Poll Watchers are permitted to keep a list of voters and raise good faith challenges based on the identity or residency of a voter, but it is ultimately up to the Judge of Elections to determine if a voter is eligible to vote. 

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has set up a NON-EMERGENCY hotline that voters can use to report any violations: 610-292-2020. 

Anyone is permitted to gather outside of a polling place as long as they comply with the law. They must maintain a distance no closer than 10 feet from the door and cannot block the entrance to the polling place. They must also refrain from any activity that rises to the level of voter intimidation including asking voters to provide identification or documentation; photograph or videotape voters, disrupting voting lines, or disseminating false or misleading information. 

Should any emergency situation arise, 911 should be alerted, along with the Judge of Election.

8. I do not want to mail my ballot back using the USPS. What are my options?

No matter how you choose to return your ballot, you MUST use both envelopes that were sent with your ballot. Put your completed ballot into the secrecy envelope, and then into the return envelope. Sign & Date the return envelope.

You can bring your completed ballot, inside of the envelopes we sent with your ballot to: 

Montgomery County Voter Services

One Montgomery Plaza

425 Swede St

Suite 602

Norristown PA 19401

If using FedEx, UPS or other courier service: 

Montgomery County Voter Services

One Montgomery Plaza

425 Swede St.

Suite 602

Norristown, PA 19401

You must still use the two envelopes that are sent along with the ballot - the secrecy envelope, and the return envelope that you must sign. Place both of those into the envelope the carrier provides.

You can also return your ballot by using a Secure Drop Box. 

1. You MUST use BOTH envelopes when returning your ballot, no matter which option for return you choose. Put your completed ballot into the secrecy envelope, and then into the return envelope. Sign & Date the return envelope.

2. You are only permitted to drop off your own ballot. You cannot drop off ballots for other people, even if you are in the same household, without completing a designated agent form. 

3. Secure Drop Boxes will be available from October 3rd, 2020 through November 3rd, 2020 during the following hours:

October 3rd - October 30th:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 9:00 AM through 4:00 PM

Tuesday & Thursday - 11:00 AM through 6:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday - 11:00 AM through 4:00 PM

October 31st & November 1st:

Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 AM through 6:00 PM

November 2nd & November 3rd:

Monday & Tuesday - 9:00 AM through 8:00 PM

Click here to complete an application to vote by mail. The Election Board must receive your application by 5:00 PM on October 27th.

Locations:

Click here to view an interactive map of all secure dropbox locations.

Cheltenham

Wall Park, 1 Wall Park Drive, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Conshohocken

225 Washington St, Conshohocken, PA 19428

Lansdale

Church Road Parking Lot, 226 Station Square Blvd, Lansdale, PA 19446

Lower Merion

Ludington Library, 5 S Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Norristown

Montgomery County Airy St Parking Lot, Corner of DeKalb & Airy Streets, Norristown, PA 19401

Pottstown

Montgomery County Community College - West Campus (Hanover St Building), 95 S Hanover St, Pottstown, PA 19464

Royersford

Royersford Municipal Building, 300 Main St, Royersford, PA 19468

Skippack

Skippack Municipal Building, 4089 Heckler Rd, Skippack, PA 19474

Upper Dublin

Upper Dublin Municipal Building, 801 Loch Alsh Ave, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Upper Frederick

Green Lane Park, 2144 Snyder Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054

Upper Moreland

Willow Grove YMCA, 3300 Davisville Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040

9. Will the County be setting up drop boxes for the General Election?

Yes!  Secure Drop Boxes will be available from October 3rd, 2020 through November 3rd, 2020. Please note the following important information:

1. You MUST use BOTH envelopes when returning your ballot. Put your completed ballot into the secrecy envelope, and then into the return envelope. Sign & Date the return envelope. 

2. You are only permitted to drop off your own ballot. You cannot drop off ballots for other people, even if you are in the same household.

3. We can only accept ballots for Montgomery County. Ballots for other counties must be returned accordingly. 

 The Secure Drop Boxes will be available during the following hours:

October 3rd - October 30th:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 9:00 AM through 4:00 PM

Tuesday & Thursday - 11:00 AM through 6:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday - 11:00 AM through 4:00 PM

October 31st & November 1st:

Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 AM through 6:00 PM

November 2nd & November 3rd:

Monday & Tuesday - 9:00 AM through 8:00 PM

LOCATIONS:

Click here to view an interactive map of all secure dropbox locations.

Click here to download a list of Secure Drop Box Locations.

10. I applied for an absentee/mail-in ballot online but have not heard back. Do I apply again?

No, thank you! You can track your application by clicking here.

There are a few different statuses that can appear:

No Match: This means that you haven’t applied yet or that we have not processed your application. Please allow 10-14 business days from the time you submit your application for processing.

If you provided your email address on your application, you will receive an email indicating that your application was processed.

Pending: This means that your application was received and approved, but that your ballot has not been mailed yet. We will begin mailing ballots in late September.

Vote Recorded: This means that we received your ballot and have recorded your vote.

If you gave us your email address in your application, you will receive an email when your application has been processed. You will also receive an email when your vote has been recorded. The PA State system only recognizes an email address once, so if you and another member of your household provided the same email address you will only receive an email for one ballot.

11. My mail-in ballot application was declined because it was a duplicate, what does that mean?

It means that we have already received your application. So, if you apply again, it will be considered a “duplicate” and rejected. This does not cancel your previous application.  

We strongly recommend checking your status before submitting a second application. 

Click here to track your ballot application. 

There are a few different statuses that can appear:

No Record: This means that you haven’t applied yet or that we have not processed your application. Please allow 10-14 business days from the time you submit your application for processing.

If you provided your email address on your application, you will receive an email indicating that your application was processed. 

Pending: This means that your application was received and approved, but that your ballot has not been mailed yet. We will begin mailing ballots in late September. 

Processed: This means that your application was received and approved, and your ballot has been mailed.

Vote Recorded: This means that we received your ballot and have recorded your vote. 

The PA State system only recognizes an email address once, so if you and another member of your household provided the same email address you will only receive an email for one ballot

12. Why was my mail-in ballot application declined?

Applications can be declined for a few reasons. Here are the most common:

Duplicate - It means that we have already received your application. So, if you apply again, it will be considered a “duplicate” and rejected. This does not cancel your previous application

Incomplete address – Voter is registered in Montgomery County but the address on their mail-in application doesn’t match their Voter Registration. Click here to update your voter registration.  

Not registered – Voter is not currently registered in Montgomery County. Click here to register to vote.  

13. I cannot get out to pick up an application, is there another way to apply?

Yes, you may send us a letter requesting an absentee ballot. The letter must include the following information:

• Address where the ballot is to be mailed
• Date of birth
• Name of voter
• Reason for requesting absentee ballot
• Registered Montgomery County address
• Signature of voter

As well as one of the following: PA Driver’s license/PennDOT ID #, last four digits of your SS #, or a copy of an accepted photo identification.

You can also apply online here.

14. I am moving to a new address in Montgomery County in October, after the date the ballots are going out. How do I make sure I get my ballot?

Ballots are not forwarded by the USPS, so if you’re now living at a different address than the one you provided on your mail-in ballot application; you will need to call our office at 610¬-278¬-3275. A representative will need to void the ballot that was sent to your former address and assist you as you complete a change of delivery address form. After that, we will mail a new ballot to your new address or you can come to our office at 425 Swede St in Norristown to pick up your ballot. 

You cannot submit another application or the change of delivery address form without having your original ballot voided first. Otherwise, our system would identify it as a duplicate or second request for a ballot and reject the application. This helps ensure that every voter only receives one ballot. 

15. How do I change the address that my ballot is being mailed to?

Ballots are not forwarded by the USPS, so if you’re now living at a different address than the one you provided on your mail-in ballot application; you will need to complete this form.

This form can be emailed to us at voters@montcopa.org or mailed to us:

If using the USPS, please send to:
Montgomery County Voter Services
P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311

If using FedEx, UPS or other courier service:

Montgomery County Voter Services
One Montgomery Plaza
425 Swede St.
Suite 602

Norristown, PA 19401

16. How do I change or add my email address on the mail-in ballot application?

You can simply email that change to us! Be sure to include your name and date of birth so that we can ensure the correct record is being updated. Email us at voters@montcopa.org.

17. Is photo ID required when voting via absentee?

You must provide one of the following as proof of identification when voting via absentee: PA Driver’s license/ PennDOT ID #, last four digits of your SS #, or a copy of an accepted photo identification.

18. Can I drop off a family member’s ballot?

No. Similar to voting in person, you are only able to cast your own vote. You cannot collect, drop off or deliver ballots for other people. 

If you know a voter who has an illness or disability that will prevent them from dropping off their ballot, they can designate an agent to pick up or drop off their ballot. The agent can only pick up/drop off for voters who are in the same household. The ballot can be picked up at one of our office locations and returned along with the ballot to a secure drop box or office location. 

Click here to access the form.

19. Can I email a mail-in or absentee ballot application form?

No. Ballot applications must be mailed to our office (please see mailing address below) or submitted online by clicking here.

If using the USPS, please send to: 

Montgomery County Voter Services

P.O. Box 311

Norristown, PA 19404-0311

If using FedEx, UPS or other courier service: 

Montgomery County Voter Services

One Montgomery Plaza

425 Swede St

Suite 602

Norristown PA 19401

20. I do not have a driver's license; how do I request a mail-in ballot?

In order to apply for a mail-in ballot, you must supply your PA Driver’s License or PennDOT issued photo ID card number in the Identification section. If you do not have a PA Driver’s License or PennDOT issued photo ID card, you must apply by mail by supplying the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number in Section 5. 

If you do not have a valid form of either of these types of identification, please check the box titled “I do not have a PA driver’s license or a PennDOT ID card or a Social Security number” in the Identification section. If you choose this option, you must enclose a photocopy of an acceptable ID that indicates your eligibility to vote. 

The application can be found here.

21. I would like to apply to vote by mail but do not have a computer. What can I do?

Constituents can call the Election Board at 610¬-278¬-3275 and provide their name and mailing address to a representative. We will send you the proper forms through the mail.

22. How can I cancel my request for an absentee or mail-in ballot?

If you requested a mail-in ballot and would like to cancel your request, you will need to complete one of these forms:

If you applied to vote by mail in the 2020 General Election only, click here to access the Single Use Ballot Cancellation form.

If you applied for Permanent Mail-In Ballot Status, click here to access the Permanent Status Cancellation form.

Please note, if your ballot has already been mailed we will not be able to cancel your request.