Everything You Need to Know about the General Primary Election on April 23, 2024

Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

NEW LOCATION: Washington Township Municipal Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

NEW LOCATION: East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

NEW LOCATION: NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

How can I ensure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”?

Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for voters to return their mail-in ballots. Each drop-off box is a secure, locked structure that is permanently anchored in place. Northampton County drop-off boxes have been evaluated to specifically ensure they are indoors, ADA compliant, either chained or anchored in place, under 24-hour camera/surveillance, and allow County Sheriff’s Deputies to collect the contents of the box on a daily basis. All Northampton County drop-off boxes are operated only by election officials and County Sheriff’s Deputies.

What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?

The Elections Office reminds voters to carefully follow the instructions included with their ballot. “Naked” ballots—those not enclosed in the inner secrecy envelope—will not be counted.
Mail-in ballots will be accepted if:
The ballot is enclosed in the yellow secrecy envelope and sealed.
There are NO identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope.
The return envelope is signed and dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes.
The ballot is returned to the Election’s Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 rd . USPS postmarks DO NOT count if received after this deadline.

What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?

Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. Voters do not need to add a stamp.

How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?

Citizens who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov) once the state makes that tool available.

Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

No. PA State Law states that voters must only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID.
Unless a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them and will be asked to complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of this form can be downloaded here Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).

I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls.

If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote on a machine, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Election will spoil your ballot and ask the voter to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will the voter be permitted to vote on the machine. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by Provisional ballot. The Elections Board will verify that the voter did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.

What time are the polls open for the General Primary Election on April 23rd?

Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.

Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

Our voting machines have undergone extensive testing. In addition to enhanced testing, in March 2023 the machines received the latest security upgrades.

Have any polling locations changed for this election?

Who should voters contact if they have problems or questions before or on Election Day?