Today is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO AVOID waiting in line at the polls on Election Day, today is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 4 general election.

“If you plan to vote by mail in the Nov. 4 election, now is the time to apply online or in person so you will have enough time to receive, complete, and return your ballot to your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt. “You also have the option of applying for your mail ballot in person at your county elections office, completing it and returning it all in one visit through Oct. 28.

Voters are encouraged to check their county elections office’s hours before making the trip.”

Due to misinformation spreading, some voters naturally have concerns.

Let’s dispel some myths:

• Can a non-citizen vote in Pennsylvania? No. To register, a person must: be a U.S. citizen, live in the district you want to vote in and be at least 18.

• Can someone send in a mail-in ballot and then vote in person? No. A mail-in vote is on record at polling places.

• Are mail-in ballots secure? Yes. Voters can track a ballot’s status, be notified when it is mailed to them and when it is returned.

• Are mail-in ballots secret like they are in person? Yes. QR codes ensure the ballot is sent to the right voter, but the codes do not identify the voter.

Those are the facts.

Registered voters can apply online at pavoterservices. pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/ or in person at their county election office today. To apply for a mail ballot, you will need to provide:

• A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or Penn-DOT photo ID card number.

• The last four digits of your Social Security number.

Voters who have received a mail ballot can return them via mail or deposit them in person into official drop boxes. Mail and absentee ballots must be received no later than 8 p.m. Nov. 4. A postmark by 8 p.m. Nov. 4 is not sufficient.

We are a week away from Nov. 4. If you have yet to do so, get your mail-in ballot or plan to go to the polls and vote!