Welcome to the LehighValleyNews.com 2022 General Election Voter's Guide.
This guide is a comprehensive tool available to help readers make informed decisions at the polls. As part of our coverage, you'll find a full review of the key state and local races on the ballot, including the candidates for the U.S. Senate, where Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz are vying to replace two-term fiscal conservative Pat Toomey.
The Pennsylvania governor's race is another one to watch closely, with Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano in a fight to replace outgoing Gov. Tom Wolf. That race is considered “one of the most consequential in the country,” according to the New York Times, with Mastriano vowing to ban abortion without exceptions if he wins.
Finally, with several lawmakers in the state legislature now running in a different district, elections in our area will alter how both chambers look in the future.
Not every candidate listed on your ballot will be listed in this guide, which focuses on the established frontrunners. Find your sample ballot for your county & district below.
VIEW: Lehigh County Sample Ballots | VIEW: Northampton County Sample Ballots
FAQ
How do I know if I’m registered to vote?
Visit votepa.gov and choose “Find Voter Registration Status” in the Voter Services menu.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
Your registration is not considered complete until processed and accepted by your county voter registration office.
What district am I in?
You can find your district by visiting pavoterservices.pa.gov/ and clicking on “Find Your District.” You can enter your address or search by county.
Can I vote by mail using a mail-in or absentee ballot?
Yes, you can vote by mail-in ballot for the general election. However, your completed application must be received in your county office no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2022. The deadline to return an absentee or mail-in ballot is 8 p.m. on Election Day.
How do I know if my application has been accepted and my ballot has been received?
Anyone who registers on vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application and ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can also track the status of their ballot using the same site.
What should I do to avoid problems with my mail-in ballot application?
You should only file one application for a mail-in ballot. Additionally, a mail-in ballot can be declined for lacking a signature or verifiable ID. For help, contact your county election office for assistance.
Can my mail-in ballot be rejected?
Mail-in ballots can be rejected if:
· The ballot was not completely enclosed and sealed in the secrecy envelope
· The return envelope was not signed
· There are any identifying marks (including your name, address, etc.) on the secrecy envelope
· The ballot was not returned on time
Do I have to return my mail-in ballot by mail?
No. Ballots can be returned to your county election office, or at any of the secure ballot drop-off boxes stationed around your county.
Ballot drop-off boxes in Northampton County are located at:
· Rotunda of the Government Center – 669 Washington Street, Easton
· Human Services Building – 2801 Emrick Blvd. Bethlehem
· Northampton County 911 Center – 100 Gracedale Ave. Nazareth
· Bethlehem City Hall – 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem
Ballot drop-off boxes in Lehigh County are located at:
- Lehigh County Government Center – 17 South 7th Street, Allentown (access for deposit is 24 hours, located outside of the main entrance)
- Whitehall Township Building – 3219 MacArthur Road, Whitehall
- Lehigh County Authority (LCA) Lobby – 1053 Spruce Street, Allentown (Wescosville)
- Fountain Hill Borough Building – 941 Long Street, Fountain Hill
- Macungie Borough Building – 21 Locust Street, Macungie
- Ballots can also be dropped off inside the Lehigh County Government Center at the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office. Call for information or assistance at 610-782-3194. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Can someone else deliver or drop off my mail-in ballot?
No. Pennsylvania law requires that voters must drop off their own ballot. Anyone dropping off their mail-in ballot may be asked for an ID. If you need to drop off someone else’s ballot, you must have a “Certificate of Designated Agent” form on file at the county. You can find the form at vote.pa.gov.
What if I requested a mail-in ballot but now I want to vote in person?
If you change your mind and prefer to vote in person after requesting a mail-in ballot, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope to the polls. The Judge of Election will spoil your ballot and ask you to complete a Declaration of Surrender form before allowing you to vote. If you don’t have your mail-in ballot and the return envelope, you will only be able to vote using a provisional ballot.
Key Deadlines
Oct. 24: Last day to register to vote in-person, online or by mail
Nov. 1: Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot (must be received by 5 p.m.)
Nov. 8 Election Day: Mail-in and absentee ballots, as well as all ballots being returned in person, must be received by 8 p.m.
READ MORE on the statewide races between Shapiro and Mastriano, Fetterman vs. Oz and Wild vs. Scheller.
READ MORE on the local races for the state House and state Senate.
