Long lines on last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot in Pennsylvania

MEDIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — On Tuesday, the last day to apply for mail-in and absentee ballots, people stood in long lines at Pennsylvania voter service centers.

The application deadline is 17:00.

However, the application does not have to be submitted in person. You can also apply online before 5:00 p.m.

Read more: 2024 Voter Guide for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Action News aired at the Delaware County Voter Services Center, where people waited for about two hours.

The process is different from voting in person on Election Day: Voters sending in ballots by mail must show valid identification to apply for a ballot, and then they must follow the instructions carefully.

This involves placing the ballot in a secrecy envelope and signing and dating the envelope.

Officials say these extra steps are part of the reason the line is so long.

However, the district has a plan to ensure everyone can apply on time.

“At 2:30, what we’re going to do with everyone in line is take their application, photocopy their ID, and then tell them their ballot will be ready for them tomorrow. But we want to make sure that everything is processed as best as possible or at least time stamped by 5 p.m.,” said Jim Allen, director of the Delaware County Board of Elections.