PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With less than a month to go until the midterm elections, Philadelphia City Commissioners are making sure voters know the correct way to return their mail-in ballots by Nov. 8.
About 126,000 mail-in ballots were sent to voters over the weekend. This is the first midterm election that Philadelphians have had no-excuse mail-in ballots.
Lisa Deeley, chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, said it’s difficult to gauge whether that will translate into a smaller- or larger-than-average voter turnout.
“It’s safe, it’s legal, it’s secure and if it’s done properly, it will be counted,” assured Commissioner Omar Sabir.
Before putting a completed ballot in the mail or a drop box, voters should double-check a few things. All ballots must be placed in the blue secrecy envelope. Those without the secrecy envelope are considered “naked” ballots and will not be counted.
Voters must also sign and date the declaration envelope.
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At an election event Wednesday, Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke encouraged voters to not wait until the last minute to send their ballots.
“As long as you come out to have your voice heard, the commissioners are here to make sure that your votes count and that your votes are counted,” added Commissioner Seth Bluestein.
“No matter how you choose to vote, whether it’s in-person or by mail, whether you get your ballot in the mail or you pick it up and return it at this office and City Hall, voting in Philadelphia is safe and secure.”
All official voting information can be found at vote.phila.gov.
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