Released: October 14, 2021
Delaware County Elections has finalized preparations for the 2021 Municipal Election, including the release of over 35,000 vote-by-mail ballots and the opening of secure ballot drop boxes in municipalities across Delaware county. As of Thursday, October 14, each of the 42 secure ballot drop boxes is now open and accepting ballot-return envelopes from Delaware County registered voters.
Secure ballot drop boxes provide a safe, sound, and secure alternative to traditional in-person voting. When returning a vote-by-mail ballot-return envelope (containing either a mail-in or absentee ballot), voters from Delaware County may use whichever County drop box is most convenient. Whether returning the ballot by standard mail or drop box, no postage is required.
Each ballot drop is locked, sealed, and under 24/7 video surveillance by Delaware County Park Police. The list of drop box locations for the 2021 Municipal Election is available on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox as an interactive map, PDF or web page.
Delaware County voters also may use the Voter Service Center at the Government Center in Media to apply for, vote, and return a vote-by-mail ballot.
New This Election: Two Ballots
Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, judicial retention ballots must be presented on a separate ballot. This means each voter (whether voting in-precinct or using a vote-by-mail ballot) will receive two ballots: “Ballot A” that lists all contests for state and local elections, and a separate “Ballot B” that lists judicial-retention questions. The Ballot A and Ballot B sheets should be returned together in the secrecy envelope, marked “OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT.”
Voting Reminder: 3rd Party Ballot Returns
The return of a vote-by-mail ballot (either a mail-in or absentee ballots) by anyone other than the voter is prohibited unless the person returning the ballot is rendering assistance to a disabled voter or an emergency absentee voter. Such assistance requires a declaration signed by the voter and by the person rendering assistance. The form (labeled “Third Party Ballot Delivery for Mail Voting Form”) can be downloaded from the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox and returned to the Voter Service Center in Media.
Voting Reminder: Don’t Vote Naked!
To make sure your vote-by-mail ballot (either mail-in or absentee) is counted, follow the instructions enclosed with your ballot. Ballots must be filled out with blue or black ink, and choices should be marked by filling in the box to the left of the candidate or judicial-retention question.
The completed ballot should be placed in the smaller secrecy envelope marked “OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOT,” which should then be sealed. The secrecy envelope containing the completed ballot is then placed in the larger return envelope marked “VOTER’S DECLARATION” and then signed, dated and sealed. If the ballot is not placed in the secrecy envelope or sealed properly, or the return envelope is not signed, dated and sealed, the vote will not be counted.
Ballot Drop Boxes
Ballot Drop Boxes are similar in size but distinct from US Postal Service drop boxes. Delaware County drop boxes feature large red, white, and blue lettering with the words “Official Ballot Drop Box” and “Delaware County Board of Elections.” Each box is affixed with the official Delaware County Seal.
Delaware Ballot Drop Boxes are intended to accept only Delaware County voted mail-in ballots and absentee ballots. No other materials will be accepted. Again, no postage is required.
Most ballot drop boxes can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2. Exceptions include Chadds Ford (available Mon. – Thurs., from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Fri., 8 a.m. – 12 noon), Ridley Park (available Mon. – Fri. from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.), and the Voter Service Center at the Government Center in Media (available Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed. from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sat. from 9 a.m. – 12 noon).
Additional Election Resources:
The Delaware County Election Hotline (610-891-VOTE) is available Mon. - Fri. from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hotline staff can answer calls related to the upcoming election, provide information about voter registration, mail-in ballots, vote-by-mail applications, polling place locations, ballot boxes, deadlines, and more.
Delaware County’s Election Website - Delco Votes! is available 24/7. Voters will find up-to-date forms and applications, deadlines, and the latest news regarding the 2021 Municipal Election. Delco Votes! can be found here: delcopa.gov/vote