Long Lines Form As Bucks County Voters Cast Early Ballots

DOYLESTOWN, PA —In what is a first for Pennsylvania, registered voters in the state have an added option of voting early and in person weeks ahead of election day.

In Bucks County, voters appear to be taking advantage as long lines formed Monday at the drop off ballot box at the Bucks County Administration building, one of three drop off locations in the county.

"I think it's fair to say people are energized about this election and eager to vote," Bucks County Public Information Director Larry King said. "People are taking any number of avenues to make sure their vote is received and counted, and this is one of them."

In response to long wait times, the county has added an extra drop box in Doylestown and Levittown, King said. Voters can also cast their ballots at the Quakertown drop box.

Drop box hours are from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours including weekends beginning Oct. 27.

As to whether long lines will continue through election day, King said it's anyone's guess. Of the more than 166,000 mail-in and absentee ballots sent out by the county, 17,000 have been received.

While the deadline for voter registration was Monday, registered voters still have until Oct. 27 to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot. To vote early in person, make a visit to your county election office or satellite office and apply for a mail or absentee ballot. You will need proof of identification to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot. Here are the accepted forms of ID.

County election officials will check your eligibility while you wait. Once verified, you will get a ballot. You can then complete your ballot and cast it in the same visit. Voters can use this option until 5 p.m. on Oct. 27, the deadline to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

When voting with a mail ballot, be sure to follow the instructions provided in the ballot application.

More election coverage:

• 166K Bucks Co. Mail-In, Absentee Ballots Are On Their Way
• U.S. Supreme Court Upholds PA Mail-In Ballot Deadline Extension
• Bucks County Announces Ballot Drop Off Locations
• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In Pennsylvania
• PA Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar Casts Ballot In Doylestown