Telephone Town Hall
Tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. I’m holding another telephone town hall about issues related to the coronavirus COVID-19. Joining me will be Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Gerard Oleksiak to discuss the latest in unemployment compensation issues and news. I’ve also invited Dr. Debra Powell, Section Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director for Infection Prevention for Tower Health Reading Hospital, to talk to us about what life may look like in the coming months, and what our new “normal” could be. We’ll also be taking questions live. To sign up, visit www.senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall.
Are You Ready to Vote in 2020?
Most Pennsylvania voters know that 2020 is an important election year. We’ve made big changes to our election laws that will make your voting experience different this year, and I can attest to the great efforts the staff of the Berks County Election Services department are putting forth to get us ready.
Voting Reforms
Some important changes to Pennsylvania election laws were passed in 2019. These changes include:
- Extended deadlines for voter registration, you now have until May 18 to register to vote for the primary election on June 2nd.
- A NEW option to vote by mail-in ballot
- Extended deadlines to return your mail-in ballot (voted mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the county by 8 p.m. on June 2nd).
Vote by Mail-in Ballot
 If you are a registered voter in Pennsylvania, you have a new option to vote by mail-in ballot. This is a
great option for voters who prefer the convenience of voting at home. You do not have to provide a
reason for requesting a mail-in ballot.
If you decide to vote by mail-in ballot, keep in mind:
- You must apply for a ballot by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
- You can apply using an online application at votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot, by mailing in a paper
application, or by submitting a paper application in person at the county election office.
- You can return your completed ballot by mail or in person at your county election office.
- The county must receive your completed ballot by 8:00 pm on election day in order to count it.
It’s important to know your vote is final once your county receives your voted mail-in ballot, and you are not allowed to go to the polling place to change your vote on election day. If you do not return your voted ballot to your county election office by 8:00 p.m. on election day, you can vote by provisional ballot at your polling place.
Learn more about mail-in voting at VotesPA.com/mailballot.
Being Social
It’s a privilege to be your state senator, so it is important to me to be in touch with you.
I really like face-to-face meetings but understand that in this busy world, sometimes that isn’t possible. Feel free to call my office to ask questions or make suggestions. Also, you may connect with me through my pages on Facebook and Twitter. Please follow me for regular updates and comments about what’s happening in the district and in Harrisburg. |
