Best Practices for Vote By Mail in Pennsylvania

 

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

Sightline’s state-by-state guides are designed to give local election officials and legislators the information they need to identify and take the most important steps to get ready for November. Each set of state-specific resources includes best practices and established models from around the country, including practical nuts and bolts advice for clerks, materials from election administrators with experience conducting all mail elections, and information about vendors and costs.

HOW PENNSYLVANIA IS PREPARED FOR VOTE BY MAIL

• Allows any voter to request an absentee ballot.
• Is a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
• Uses voters’ signatures to verify ballots.
• Allows voters to register and request an absentee ballot online.

RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR SECURE ELECTIONS

Within each section, recommendations are arranged roughly in order of importance and ease of implementation.

FOR LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS

• Coordinate with USPS.
• Design ballots and envelopes that are easy to use.
• Implement robust signature verification.
• Provide secure drop boxes.
• Provide election day voting centers for in-person voting.
• Consider using a professional printer and sorter.
• Count ballots at a centralized, secure facility.
• Include a postage prepaid return envelope.
• Invest in high-speed centralized equipment.

FOR SECRETARIES OF STATE

• Use a comprehensive system to track ballots.
• Mail absentee application forms to every registered voter.
• Implement a formal notify and cure process.

For Lawmakers

• Account for voters with non-traditional addresses.
• Allow counties to start processing envelopes before election day.
• Allow counties to accept ballots postmarked on election day.
• Allow voters to request a replacement ballot online.
• Allow early in-person voting options.
• Allow community organizations to help collect and deliver voted, sealed ballots.
• Automatically register voters and update their addresses.

Download the full Pennsylvania action packet, with detailed information for each recommendation.

 

PENNSYLVANIA’S GRADE FOR VOTE BY MAIL PREPAREDNESS = C-

Our grading system: We evaluated each state on 16 factors, covering access, administration efficiency, security, and infrastructure.

 

SEND THIS RESOURCE TO PENNSYLVANIA’S SECRETARY OF STATE:

Kathy Boockvar, RA-Elections@pa.gov | Twitter: @PAStateDept

SEND THIS RESOURCE TO PENNSYLVANIA’S DIRECTOR OF ELECTION SECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY:

Michael Moser, micmoser@pa.gov

CONTACT US

We welcome your questions and feedback. Email Kristin Eberhard, director of Sightline’s Democracy research program. Press inquiries: Anna Fahey.