COLUMBUS, Ohio - Acting Secretary of State, Veronica Degraffenreid reminded Pennsylvanians on Wednesday that they can now vote in person by mail ballots at their county election office or satellite election office.  

This is one of three available options for Pennsylvanians to vote in the Nov. 2 municipal election along with voting by mail or in person at their local polling location on Election Day.

"Voting in person by mail ballot before Election Day is an easy and convenient option for voters who do not want to return their ballot by mail and who cannot or do not want to go to the polls on Election Day," Degraffenreid said.

Degraffenreid went on to advise Pennsylvanians to check their local election office's hours and find out if making an appointment ahead of time is recommended.

Once a county's ballots are finalized and printed, voters can visit their county election office or satellite office to apply for a mail ballot. County election officials will then check their eligibility and give them a ballot once they are verified. They can then complete the ballot and cast it all in one visit.

Voters should ensure that the enclose their ballot first in the inner security envelope that indicates "Official Election Ballot" and securely seal the envelope, insert it into the pre-addressed outer return envelope and then sign and date the voter's declaration on the outer envelope. Voters must complete each of these steps in order for their ballots to be counted.

Some counties' election boards have opened up satellite offices offering residents convenient locations for mail-in and absentee ballot application process and voting or to drop off voted ballots that were mailed to them.

These offices may be open additional hours including weeknights and weekends. Each satellite office has a secure ballot election receptacle to store voted mail-in and absentee ballots submitted at the location.

The option to vote in person by mail is available until Tuesday, Oct. 26. This is also the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 2 election. 

Pennsylvanians voting by mail must ensure that their ballot is received at their county office by 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 2. Postmarks do not count.

Ballots can be mailed or hand-delivered to county election offices or other designated locations. The Department of State urges voters to return their mail-in ballots as soon as possible to ensure a timely arrival.

Polling locations will be open in every county from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voters are recommended to wear a mask and practice social distancing while at the polls.