Voters in Pennsylvania can apply now for mail-in ballots for the Nov. 8 general election.
The state’s most closely watched races are for governor, where conservative state Sen. Doug Mastriano is facing Democrat and current Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and U.S. Senate, in a race featuring Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz.
Much of the recent attention has focused on how the election could shape the future of abortion rights in the commonwealth, with Mastriano expected to ban or significantly restrict the procedure.
Incumbents will also be opposed in several Congressional and state representative races in the region.
Applications to vote by mail opened July 13, despite social media rumors that spread originating from a now-suspended Twitter account that falsely stated that Pennsylvania would no longer be accepting mail ballots.
Mail-in ballots grew in popularity at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, following the passing of an unrelated law that allowed Pennsylvanians to vote by mail for any reason.
Those already registered to vote can request a mail ballot online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. Voters can download and print a ballot in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese at www.philadelphiavotes.com.
The mail application deadline is Nov. 1.
To vote in November’s election, anyone not registered has to sign up by Oct. 24. Information about how to register to vote is also available at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov and www.philadelphiavotes.com.
