WGAL News 8 On Your Side investigator Brian Roche is answering questions about mail-in ballot applications people have received that they didn’t request, including one that appears to be from a presidential candidate.News 8 has received a lot of calls and emails about a pro-Trump/anti-Biden flyer that includes an application for a Pennsylvania mail-in ballot.The applications are pre-printed with the address of the recipient’s county election office.Since the president has repeatedly criticized voting by mail, a lot of people are wondering if this is a scam.Some viewers have also received a mail-in application from the Center for Voter Information. The organization is based in Washington, D.C., and identifies itself as nonpartisan and nonprofit.The application arrives with the recipient’s name and address already filled in, along with a postage-paid envelope addressed to the recipient’s county election office.The Pennsylvania Department of State provided this statement:”It is legal for organizations and outside entities to provide ballot applications and voter-registration applications. Each will be subject to the normal processes that county election offices carry out to verify the applicant’s eligibility. We hope registered voters will consider using the department’s online ballot application at www.VotesPA.com. The online application is faster and more secure.”The bottom line is this: If the application is addressed to be returned to a county election office, it is legitimate and legal, according to the state.
WGAL News 8 On Your Side investigator Brian Roche is answering questions about mail-in ballot applications people have received that they didn’t request, including one that appears to be from a presidential candidate.
News 8 has received a lot of calls and emails about a pro-Trump/anti-Biden flyer that includes an application for a Pennsylvania mail-in ballot.
The applications are pre-printed with the address of the recipient’s county election office.
Since the president has repeatedly criticized voting by mail, a lot of people are wondering if this is a scam.
Some viewers have also received a mail-in application from the Center for Voter Information. The organization is based in Washington, D.C., and identifies itself as nonpartisan and nonprofit.
The application arrives with the recipient’s name and address already filled in, along with a postage-paid envelope addressed to the recipient’s county election office.
The Pennsylvania Department of State provided this statement:
“It is legal for organizations and outside entities to provide ballot applications and voter-registration applications. Each will be subject to the normal processes that county election offices carry out to verify the applicant’s eligibility. We hope registered voters will consider using the department’s online ballot application at www.VotesPA.com. The online application is faster and more secure.”
The bottom line is this: If the application is addressed to be returned to a county election office, it is legitimate and legal, according to the state.
