Hi —

The best way we can make our voices heard this election is getting our votes in early — and you’ve got several options to do that. If you haven’t voted yet, scroll down for step-by-step instructions and our recommended candidates in your area!

If you’re filling out a mail-in ballot, here’s how to do it correctly:

Read the enclosed instructions carefully on how to mark your ballot and be sure to complete the front and back of each page. Vote in every race on the ballot.
Put your ballot into the smaller secrecy envelope that only says “Official Election Ballot” and seal it. Do not place any marks on this secrecy envelope. Your ballot must be enclosed in the smaller secrecy envelope in order to be counted.
Put the smaller secrecy envelope into the larger pre-addressed outer return envelope and seal it. This is the envelope with “Business Reply Mail” on the front.
Complete, sign, and date the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope. You must sign the outer return envelope and enclose your ballot in it in order for it to be counted.

Once you complete your ballot, return it ASAP. There are a number of ways you can do this:

By mail: You should do this no later than this week to make sure your ballot is received and counted on November 2. Make sure you use the proper postage, if needed.
In person: Take it to a secure ballot drop box or County Board of Elections office.

After you return your ballot, you can track its status here.

If you haven’t applied for a mail-in ballot, we encourage you to vote early at your county election office or a satellite location, which you can find here. The last day for early in-person voting is October 26, and here’s how it works:

Submit a completed mail-in or absentee ballot application when you arrive.
Wait for your application to be processed.
Once you receive your ballot, mark, seal, sign, and date just like the instructions require you to do for mailing in your ballot. Remember, if your ballot is not enclosed in the smaller secrecy envelope and outer return envelope, it will not be counted.
Hand in your ballot.

When you fill out your ballot, please make sure to vote for our endorsed judicial and local candidates:

Judge Maria McLaughlin for Supreme Court
Judge Timika Lane for Superior Court
Judge David Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court
Judge Lori Dumas for Commonwealth Court.

Remember that your vote is your voice. Don’t wait until Election Day to use your power — be an October Voter!

Thanks for all that you do.

Katie Blume

Political Director

Conservation Voters of PA