Voting Machine Demonstrations Previously Scheduled for April – CANCELED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2020
CONTACT:
Douglas R. Smith
dsmith@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6303
Erie County Board of Elections is canceling ALL scheduled demonstrations for the new voting machines in the month of April. Cancellation is necessary in order to adhere to the Social Distancing/Shelter in Place Order recently extended by Pennsylvania Governor Wolf through April 30. The Erie County Elections Department is completing demonstration videos for the public and poll-workers at this time.
The PA General Assembly and Governor Wolf have moved the General Primary Election from April 28 to June 2, 2020 to accommodate the needs that have arose from the COVID-19 emergency.
Election Board Chairman Carl Anderson III “ It is important that all organizations inform their members about the new Mail-In Ballot option. It is a “no-excuse” ballot one may receive by mail. It is different from an Absentee ballot, which is for voters who cannot go to their polling place on Election Day because of business, school, vacations or medical problems”.
Persons may apply for Mail-in Ballots or Absentee Ballots on line at https://www.vote.pa.gov/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx (votespa.com) The Erie County Board of Elections decided earlier this year to place return postage on all Mail-in or Absentee Ballots, so it’s easy and inexpensive for all voters.
In addition, the County has recently purchased a ballot drop-off box that will be made available in front of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West 6th Street for Mail-in or Absentee ballots. Voters may drop off their completed ballots 24 hours a day in this secure enclosure which will be protected by light and video security.
The Board thanks all of the various municipalities, organizations, and volunteers who had offered assistance in facilitating the demonstrations.
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