Coronavirus: Voters urged to mail in ballots for Pennsylvania primary election in June

Pennsylvania is pushing ahead -- they expect the primary to go on June 2 and today they attempted to calm any voting fears.

“So, how do we make sure that in COVID-19 public health emergency doesn’t suppress voting in elections?” asked Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar.

That’s a question on many voters’ minds, as the primary was delayed. Boockvar talked with reporters on Wednesday about the changes and promoted the benefits of mail-in ballots.

“Every Pennsylvania can apply for a mail ballot, for any reason or no reason at all. you no longer have to have an excuse. but we need your help to let everyone know that that is now a new option for them,” Boockvar said.

In order to apply for a mail-in ballot, voters should go to votespa.com. May 26 is the last day to apply and the ballots must be in by June 2 at 8 p.m.

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“Apply now and as soon as you get your ballet send it in. we all know we don’t want to have it caught in mail. Get it in as soon you can,” Boockvar said.

The state has also relaxed polling regulations. Counties are allowed to consolidate polling precincts and poll workers don't have to live in the district where they work the polls.

Absentee and mail-in ballot counting will begin at 7 a.m. election day and they won’t have to wait until the polls close so that will expedite results.

“So, i’m going to go with the optimistic answer of yes, that in most cases, except in really tight races, we should be able to see results on election night,” Boockvar said.

They said poll workers will abide by social distancing standards and they will have wipes and sanitzers available.

“To make sure we are wiping down all the counters, and the equipment, making sure that gloves are worn so all the same things that we normally recommend once we are allowed to emerge but right now we make sure that people stay home,” Boockvar said.

When asked about the possibility that the primary could be delayed again, Boockvar said she’s planning for it to go on June 2.

Pennsylvania's Primary Election Delayed Until June Pennsylvania's Primary Election Delayed Until June

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