— Barbara Codispoti, District 2 Leader
In my experience, here is what’s most important when talking to voters in PA.
Start Talking at the Ding
The minute I hear the ding I start saying “Hi I am Barbara, calling on behalf of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, calling to answer questions you may have about the voting process this year.” I do not wait for them to say hello.
“Are you planning to vote for the Biden ticket?” If yes, continue. If not, thank them for their time.
If yes, “Are you registered to vote?” If not they can register at Iwillvote.com/pa or call the board of elections in their county.
The Voting Plan
If they are voting, how do they plan on voting?
If they plan to vote in person on Election Day, check that box and thank them.
If they plan to vote by mail, ask them if they have requested and/or received a mail-in ballot? If not they can request one at Iwillvote.com/pa or call the board of elections in their county.
If they plan to vote by mail, tell them to make sure they:
- Fill out the ballot as instructed.
- Sign the ballot with a legible signature.
- Put the signed ballot in the secrecy envelope provided.
- Put that in the mailing envelope.
- Be sure to sign the back of the mailing envelope with a legible signature because it will be checked against their signature on file with the board of elections.
How are they returning their ballot?
If by regular mail tell them to mail it asap after they receive and fill it out. The mail in Pa is SLOW.
If by drop box, they can go to Iwillvote.com/pa to get locations near them or they can call their County Board of Elections.
If in person at an early polling site they can go to Iwillvote.com/pa or their Board of Elections to find the locations and dates when those sites will be open.
They can also return it to the Board of Elections in their County.
If a voter who has received a mail-in ballot decides to go early to vote in person or on Election Day, they need to take the mail in ballot together with the secrecy envelope and the mailing envelope with them and hand it in. Otherwise, they will only be allowed to vote by Provisional Ballot.
New Voting Option: Early Voting
Early in-person voting by mail in or absentee ballot will be happening in Pa. Dates and locations can be determined by going to Iwillvote.com/pa or calling their county board of elections. You go there with your mail-in ballot if you have received one OR to request a ballot, you vote and sign it and hand it in and then you will have voted. This is for folks who are afraid to stand on line on Election Day or who are afraid of sending it through the mail.
Hang in there this process gets easier the more you do it. You are all performing a much needed service to help people and get out the vote.
— Barbara Codispoti, District 2 Leader
