PA House passes bill to give counties more time to count mail ballots

Election, Issues

“A House bill [HB 847] passed Wednesday in a party line vote would allow counties up to seven days before election day to open ballot envelopes and run ballots through scanning machines, though results would still be tabulated on the day of the election. Currently, counties cannot begin processing mail ballots until the morning of the election, which means counties with large numbers of mail ballots may need additional days to finish counting and report complete results.”

Read the full article in Spotlight, PA

This practical solution, that is in place in other states with mail ballot voting, makes election day less hectic for election workers. The sudden shift in totals, when mail ballots are added into the total results from the polling locations, creates the illusion that something peculiar is happening — helping to fuel election conspiracy rhetoric. Being able to pre-canvass would eliminate that perception.

Thirty-nine states and the Virgin Islands permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots prior to the election. Eight states and Washington, D.C., permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots on Election Day, but prior to the closing of the polls. Alabama, District of Columbia, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Let them know you think this bill is important!
PA Senators
Nick Miller, PA Senate 14 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

Jarrett Coleman, PA Senate 16 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

PA Representatives
Zachary Mako, PA House 183 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Ryan E. Mackenzie, PA House 187 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Michael H. Schlossberg, PA House 132 (Voted Yes on HB 847 ) Thank him for voting yes on this sensible bill.

March 25 – April 25 Plant Sale Fundraiser

Events, ULDC

Shop for Plants & Help Preserve Our Democracy!
Just in time for that special Mother’s Day gift!

Shop Monday, March 25 — Thursday, April 25
☙ ☙ ☙
Pick Up Plants Saturday, May 4, 10 AM — 2 PM
5535 Kurt Drive, Allentown 18104

    
On Monday, March 25th, the Upper Lehigh Democratic Club will inaugurate a new fundraiser to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot!  We have partnered with Blue Mountain Farms, a local plant nursery.  With their assistance, the Plant Sale Committee has put together a wonderful collection of flowers and plants for your purchase.

Make your purchases at the ULDC/Blue Mountain Farms online Fundraising Shop by clicking on SHOP FOR PLANTS.  The wide variety of choices includes single plants, sets of plants, patio pots and hanging baskets.  Fill your cart and pay online (most credit cards are accepted). Pick up your plant order on Saturday, May 4 between 10 am and 2 pm.

Please tell your family and friends about this sale. Tell them to go to ULDC.ORG and click on the GREEN BUTTON at the top of the page. It’s a fun and easy way to support the important work of ULDC’s voter outreach, education, and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts.

SHOP FOR PLANTS



  

2024 Primary Election Results

Election

You can find the results on the revamped Department of State returns website – electionreturns.pa.gov. You will be able to switch between statewide and county-level results. Unofficial totals may not be known by the end of the night, because of mail-in ballot counts and write-in votes.
Details in this article from Armchair Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh County Results by Precinct Select the “Precincts Reporting” tab at the top of the page

Additional Articles on the Primary Election Results:
Morning Call Primary Election Results Includes ballot referendums for Heidelberg & Whitehall (PASSED)
Morning Call Bob Casey and David McCormick to face off in high-stakes Pennsylvania Senate race
Morning Call Democrat Eugene DePasquale, Republican Dave Sunday to face off for attorney general in November
Morning Call Erin McClelland wins Democratic race for state treasurer
Morning Call Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley loses Democratic primary for PA auditor general
Morning Call How was voter turnout in the Lehigh Valley
Armchair Lehigh Valley Voter turnout in Lehigh Valley lighter than past primaries
Armchair Lehigh Valley Mackenzie wins GOP primary in 7th Congressional District
Morning Call Incumbent Zachary Mako wins GOP race for state House in 183rd

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention (Elected in the Primary)
Aidan Levinson, Captain
Anne Wakabayashi
Lori McFarland, Captain
Leslie M Altieri
Carmen A Bell
Baron Vanderburg
Julian Guridy
◇ Delegate Profiles ◇ The Democratic National Convention
◇ Pennsylvania Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan ◇ PA Democratic State Committee

HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP REFERENDUM (Appeared on the BACK of Ballots in Heidelberg Township)
Do you favor the imposition, by Heidelberg Township, of an additional Earned Income Tax at the rate of 0.175% on an annual basis, for a TEN (10) year period beginning January 1, 2025, to be used for financing the acquisition, preservation, and conservation of open space; for the purpose of acquiring agricultural conservation and forest easements; and for the purpose of paying the attendant costs associated with such actions? YES or NO (See plain English explanation HERE) PASSED

The 2024 Election page has been updated with the November 5 ballot list of Democratic Candidates

ULDC Monthly Meeting

ULDC, Uncategorized

ULDC general meetings are usually held on the
2nd Tuesday of the month
7 PM — 8:30 PM
Now Meeting In-Person at Cedar Crest College
with Option to Join Via Zoom!
You will be sent an e-mail with Meeting Location Details
and the Zoom link prior to the meeting.*

BECOME A MEMBER — SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAILS
*How to Join a Zoom Meeting

MAY 14 MEETING – 7:00 pm
Location: in person at Cedar Crest College, with Zoom Option
Note: We will be meeting in a different room, check email for location.

Speaker: Stuart Horowitz
Topic: Reaching Out To Younger Voters

FUTURE MEETINGS
June 11, 2024 – 7:00pm
Location: via Zoom
Topic: to be announced

July 21, 2024 — Annual ULDC Picnic


May 31 & June1 — ULDC Yard Sale

Events


🌸 Second Annual Fabulous ULDC Yard Sale! 🌸
Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, 10 am – 4 pm
Near Covered Bridge Park in South Whitehall Township

Declutter Your House AND Defend Democracy —
DONATE TO ULDC’s SPRING YARD $ALE!

▷ We will be selling gently-used or new unwanted household items,
in working order and in good condition.
▷ All proceeds from the sale of your donations will go directly to raising much-needed funds
for the club’s GOTV efforts in this important election year.
▷ Proceeds will help fund supplies, printing costs and literature mailings.

If you would like to help, please start saving your stuff now!


Suggested Donations* (Smaller items are preferred):
● Good quality laundered clothing (esp. baby & toddler)
● Small tools, garden tools
● Small appliances
● Vintage dishes, glassware, casseroles
● Games, toys, & puzzles
● Costume jewelry, handbags
● Sports equipment
● Books (esp. best-sellers, children’s)
● Gaming systems & games
● LPs, CD’s, DVD’s
● Art
● Craft supplies / holiday decor

Please feel free to check with friends/neighbors to see if they may want to donate
*All unsold items will be donated to charity by ULDC

Additional Details Will Be Posted — Meanwhile…Gather Your Stuff!



Know Your Rights At The Polls On Primary Day, April 23

Election

The Shapiro Administration has issued a press release outlining voter rights and links to government resources in advance of the April 23 Primary Election. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. You may still vote if you are in line by 8 pm.

Additional information for Upper Lehigh County Voters:
List of Democratic Candidates, with additional information about each candidate
Polling Place Changes
Find Your Polling Place
Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations

Shapiro Administration Urges Voters To Know Their Rights At The Polls On Primary Day, April 23

Polls Will Be Open 7 A.M. To 8 P.M.

Video: Spotlight PA, TRUSTING ELECTIONS: A live panel with PA’s top election official

Election

Video Now Available — April 2 Zoom Event. Al Schmidt, head of the Pennsylvania Department of State, joined Spotlight PA to discuss how his agency is working to create trust in our election system and combat misinformation. Schmidt will take audience questions. The event will also include a Q&A with a University of Pittsburgh researcher on how to spot election misinformation. Additional information about this event and the video are in the article linked below.

You can sign up for this Zoom via the link in Spotlight PA’s post:
Video Now Available Q&A with top Pa. elections official Al Schmidt

Lehigh County Voter Registration Office Extended Hours

Uncategorized

The Lehigh County Voter Registration Office will be open for extended hours
on the following days:

Saturday, April 13, 2024
9 am – 1 pm Office open

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
8 am – 5 pm. Deadline to submit mail in/absentee ballot request; vote early in person

Saturday, April 20, 2024
9 am – 1 pm Office open

Tuesday, Election Day, April 23
Extended Hours 7 am – 8 pm

Regular Business Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm

Lehigh County Government Center
17 South Seventh Street
Allentown, PA 18101-2400
Phone 610-782-3194

▸These Hours are listed on the Election Calendar, along with important election deadlines.
▸Information at Lehigh County Voter Registration Office

Polling Place Changes for April 23 Primary Election

Election, Uncategorized

Changes approved 3/11/2024 by Lehigh County Elections Board
► NORTH WHITEHALL DISTRICT 5 ◄
Grouse Hall Fish & Game, 3335 Levans Rd, Coplay 18037*

► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICT 5 ◄
Islamic Education Center, 6635 Tilghman St., Allentown 18106**

These changes were made in 2022
► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICT 1 ◄
ATAS International, Inc., 6612 Snowdrift Rd., Allentown 18106
► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICTS 7 & 8 ◄
Bible Baptist Church, 511 Farmington Rd, Breinigsville 18031

You can find your polling place/voting district information at PA VOTER SERVICES.
Under Voter Services → Find Your Polling Place → Enter address information
The polling place district will be identified above the polling place location. Directions to the polling place are also available.

More information at Find Your Polling Place

*Polling location changed due to renovations on the North Whitehall Township building. https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/parkland/north-whitehall-township-building-renovations-get-final-approval

**Polling location changed in order to provide voters with a better voting location.

Referendum on Heidelberg Primary Ballot

Election

Heidelberg Township Voters will be voting Yes or No to a proposed ordinance that would add an additional earned income tax rate of 0.175% for 10 years for the purpose of financing the acquisition, preservation, and conservation of open space; for the purpose of acquiring agricultural conservation and forest easements.

Here is the plain language explanation of the referendum:

April 8 – April 16 Voting Early in Person Available at Voter Registration Office

Election

Over-the-counter ballots will be available in the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office starting Monday through April 16, the state’s deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Over-the-counter ballots are mail-in ballots that residents can request at their county election office and turn in during the same visit. The ballots are only available to registered voters who have not requested a mail-in ballot already.
More information about Voting Early In Person

LEHIGH COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION OFFICE
Lehigh County Government Center
17 South Seventh Street, Allentown 18101
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm
Extended Hours
April 13 Open 9 am-1 pm
April 16 Hours Extended 8 am – 5 pm

Mail Ballots Sent to Lehigh County Voters April 5

Election

The Lehigh County Voter Registration Office sent mail ballots to voters who applied to vote by mail in the April 23 Primary Election . If you do not receive your ballot within 7 days, please contact your county election office.

Our website has voting by mail information!
How to submit your ballot
How to return your ballot
How to track your ballot
Drop Box Locations
More information available FAQ Mail-in Voting

REMINDER — MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
►USE BOTH ENVELOPES
►SIGN AND DATE THE OUTER ENVELOPE
Click on image below to enlarge.

Annual Application for Mail-In Ballot Reminder

Election

All Voters Who Want to Vote by Mail Must Submit an Application Every Year,
Even If You Received Mail-in Ballots Last Year.

Apply Now For This Safe, Secure and Easy Way to Vote

Are You an “ANNUAL MAIL-IN or ABSENTEE VOTER” ?

Check Your Status for Current Year’s Elections HERE
After entering the requested information, you will see your Voter Status Record, which includes Voter Record Details and the question, “Are you an annual mail-in or absentee voter?”

If you are an Annual Mail-In or Absentee Voter, you will see:
YES
Being an annual mail-in or absentee voter means you will be mailed an application. You still need to complete and return that application or complete the application online to receive a mail ballot for all elections in which you are eligible to vote by mail during that calendar year.

If You Are Not an “ANNUAL MAIL-IN or ABSENTEE VOTER”
If you are not listed as an Annual Mail-In or Absentee Voter You Can Apply Several Ways:
▸Fill out the application on-line.
▸Go to Vote.pa.gov to download and print a paper application Mail-in ballot request form
▸Direct links to forms in: English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional
▸Submit an online request to have a form mailed to you
▸Call the Department of State at: 1-877-VOTES-PA (1-877-868-3772) and request a form be mailed to you
▸Print an Application Form from the Lehigh County Government Website
▸Contact or visit the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office for assistance
▸Lehigh County Voter Registration Office
▸Lehigh County Government Center
▸17 South Seventh St., Allentown, PA 18101-2400
▸Phone 610-782-3194
▸Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.   Monday — Friday

IMPORTANT DETAILS

For All Applicants:
Include Your Email Address on the application if you want to receive ballot status updates from the voter registration office.

Check the appropriate box if you would like to apply to receive mail-in ballots for the remainder of this year and if you would like to automatically receive an annual application for mail-in ballots each year.

For Voters on the Annual Voter List:
The Lehigh County Voter Registration Office has mailed you an annual application that you will need to complete and return, or fill out an on-line application, in order to continue automatically receiving either a mail-in or absentee ballot for each election in 2024.

► You must submit an application, either on line or complete and return the paper application, to affirm you want your county to send you a mail-in ballot for all 2024 elections in which you are eligible to vote.

► On-line application forms are available HERE

► You will receive the ballot application every year unless you return it and specify that you no longer want to receive it.

► If you would like to be removed from the annual list and no longer automatically receive an application, submit the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office’s Permanent Status Cancellation Form, to cancel your annual status.

Additional information PA Department of State Mail-In Voting and ULDC FAQ Mail-in Voting

ULDC Connects with the Parkland Community at the Community Resource Fair

Community, ULDC

ULDC has a table at the 2nd ANNUAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR, HEALTH SYMPOSIUM AND NEW PARENT SOCIAL. Social service agencies, nonprofits, community partners, and recreational organizations will showcase their services and parent workshops will be offered.  A New Parent Social will be conducted that is designed for new parents to meet other new parents in the community. Parent Workshops that focus on the health and well being of families will be offered each hour. Thanks to Lucy Horton for making contact and arranging for ULDC to participate in this well-attended Parkland School District event. She was joined by Carla Colangelo and Nancy Holler in a committee to put together a display that is informative as well as attractive! On display is our new ULDC palm card and folded flyer explaining our mission and activities, a map of the ULDC area, and maps of the legislative districts in Parkland. Additional attractive items to take home and a puzzle map of the US flag add to the general welcoming vibe!
https://www.parklandsd.org/community/community-resource-fair
UPDATE: ULDC’s Participation In This Event Was a Success!