With the upcoming 2020 presidential election occurring in just a matter of months, the American people, including the residents of Pottstown, are relying on the U.S. Postal Service now more than ever for accessible, secure, private and safe communication through the process of voting via mail-in ballot. However, the USPS, which is often overlooked and taken for granted as part of everyday American life, is now facing financial instability and federal controversy that could affect its indispensable service in an election and decennial census year. 

As of May, the USPS has been the subject of heavy politicization, caught in the center of a political storm amongst Congress and the proposed $3 trillion coronavirus relief package, which included relief funds for the USPS and expanding postal voting. Without additional support, the USPS may not be able to meet deadlines for delivering voting ballots, which, as a result, could have an immense impact on November’s election as voters are expected to vote by mail in unprecedented numbers. Hence, the postal service is anticipating a barrage of absentee ballots, 

But how does this affect Hill students? Pennsylvania, a typical “battleground state” when it comes to elections, has been warned by the USPS that some mail-in ballots might not be delivered on time because of its inability to deliver in accordance with the state’s election deadlines. This has prompted not only election officials but the voters themselves to ask the state Supreme Court to extend deadlines and prioritize the mail-in ballots to avoid the disenfranchisement of voters. 

“Because of the new COVID rules at Hill this year, it is uncertain whether or not students could go to an off-campus voting site, so my only real option is to utilize the mail-in ballot and to take the proper precautions such as sending my vote in early to create a better chance that my vote gets counted,” said Lauryn Fudala ’21 about the circumstances in which caused her to register to vote via mail-in ballot. 

Other community members, such as Student Life Coordinator Laura McConney, stated that while her choice to vote through the mail-in ballot was initially out of convenience in terms of the easy registration process and the physical location of voting centers, the concern of health and public safety this year was also at the forefront of her thoughts. 

“I think that where we’re at right now in 2020, there obviously is a concern about being out in public with those who might not be following appropriate safety measures, but, regardless of what happens with the delays of the mail-in ballot, I will vote,” McConney said. 

How to Vote: A guide by Bella Basile ’21 

What are mail-in ballots? 

In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots: the standard mail-in ballot, a ballot that can be simply requested without a reason; and the absentee ballot, which applies to voters who plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness, and requires a reason for the ballot. 

In order to request either ballot, you must start off by registering to vote. 

How to register to vote via mail-in ballot:

• Option 1: Apply online 
  • Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot online with a valid PA driver’s license or photo I.D. from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. (PennDOT).
  • Provide an email address to receive notifications about your ballot.
  • Complete application.
• Option 2: Apply for a mail-in ballot by mail 
  • Download and print a mail-in ballot application
    • Don’t have a printer? Have a paper application mailed to you. Or contact your county election office directly to request a paper application. 
  • Send your mail-in ballot application to the county election office. (The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is one week before the election.)

How do I vote with a mail-in ballot?

1. Mark your ballot, following the instructions. 
2. Place your ballot in the secrecy envelope, and then put the secrecy envelope into the official envelope. Be sure to sign the declaration or your ballot may not count!
3. Return your ballot so it arrives at the county election office on time. 

Deadlines for the Nov. 3 General Election: 

• 5 p.m. Oct. 27 – All applications must be received by your county election office.
• 8 p.m. Nov. 3 – Filled-in ballots must be received by your county election office – postmarks are not enough.