A PA first! Ballot drop box available to voters in Erie County
Carl Anderson III –Chairman ● Mary Rennie -Vice Chairman
Kimberly Clear ● Scott Rastetter ● Ellen Schauerman● Brian Shank
Erie County Board of Elections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020
CONTACT:
Douglas R. Smith
dsmith@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6303
The Erie County Board of Elections is officially unveiling the new Mail-in/ Absentee Ballot Drop-Off Box in front of the Erie County Courthouse.
Now voters may drop off their completed ballots 24 hours a day seven days a week. The deadline to apply for an Absentee or Mail-in ballot is May 26. They must be returned to the County Courthouse by Election Day June 2nd at 8pm.
A press event is scheduled for tomorrow Thursday May 7 at 10:30am in front of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West 6th Street. Members of the Board of Elections will be available for comment.
The decision to purchase the drop box was one of two prescient decisions made by the Erie County Board of Elections this spring; the other was providing return postage for mailed ballots. The County has received nearly 20,000 applications for ballots by mail. Four times greater than in the 2016 Primary.
Erie is the first Pennsylvania County to use a ballot drop box. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar welcomed the news:
“I applaud Erie County for setting up this secure and convenient drop-box for mail-in ballots in front of their courthouse. I’m sure voters will find this an easy and safe way to use Pennsylvania’s new mail-in ballot option without having to worry about any mail delays. This drop-box will add another level of accessibility and reliability for voters concerned about going to the polls during the coronavirus emergency.”
Election Board Chairman Carl Anderson III and Vice Chairman Mary Rennie cited the importance of access and assistance to voters, especially during the COVID emergency:
Chairman Carl Anderson III: “As the window for the return of Mail-in and Absentee ballots shrinks, this will be a vital service for voters so they can get their ballot returned on time…”
Vice Chairman Mary Rennie: “Not only does every vote matter, but every voter is ultimately an important voice for Erie County. This drop-box makes voting more accessible, in turn empowering individuals and strengthening the community as a whole…”
In order to provide further opportunities to Voters, and to comply with Act 77, the Erie County Courthouse will be open from May 20 to May 26 so voters may apply for absentee or mail-in ballots and vote in person in Voter Registration, room 112. No other areas of the courthouse will accessible on those days.
Voters must use the envelopes provided with their ballot, filling out all required information, before dropping them off. Call 814-451-6275 for information.
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