DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — The early voting process in Pennsylvania, a crucial state for presidential elections, has become a source of frustration for many voters. Long lines, sometimes lasting three hours, have emerged as residents flock to county offices that are unprepared for the surge. This surge is partly due to a 2019 law aimed at expanding mail-in voting and the call for early voting from Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who has recently urged his supporters to participate early, despite his previous criticisms of early voting methods.
On the last day to apply for a mail ballot, Bucks County witnessed significant delays as individuals waited to complete their applications. This shift in voter behavior compared to the last presidential election four years ago can be linked to Trump’s encouragement for early voting, with some voters believing that voting early could help protect against possible election fraud. One voter articulated this sentiment by echoing Trump’s rhetoric about making elections “too big to rig.”
The situation in Pennsylvania, holding the highest number of electoral votes among battleground states, is seen amid a plethora of ongoing disputes surrounding mail ballots. These issues have even reached the U.S. Supreme Court. A major factor contributing to the current challenges is a law enacted by the Republican-led legislature back in 2019, which created a unique early voting system that deviates from typical practices seen in other states.
In Pennsylvania, voters must physically visit their county offices where they can request a mail ballot and fill out the necessary application paperwork. Each application requires validation to confirm the voter’s eligibility, followed by printing the actual ballot, processes that can take approximately 12 minutes if everything goes smoothly. Voters also have choices regarding what to do with their ballot—whether to fill it out immediately and submit it, take it home, or opt for it to be mailed.
Election officials have voiced that they need more resources to effectively manage the unexpected rise in voters seeking early voting options. A key concern is the reliance on a single printer dedicated to in-person early ballots equipped with both inner and outer envelopes, contributing to the long wait times experienced by voters.
Bucks County Board of Elections Chairman Bob Harvie highlighted the general confusion and inefficiencies associated with this relatively new process, stating that significant changes are necessary to improve the system. In light of the challenges and misinformation circulating on social media, the county’s government announced that everyone in line before the 5 p.m. deadline on Tuesday would be allowed to apply for a ballot.
As the early voting period approached its end, Republican officials acknowledged receiving numerous complaints regarding the county office’s closing over the weekend while constituents were still waiting. In response, the county stated that they might need to halt accepting applications to ensure that those already submitted could be processed by the end of the day.
Harvie expressed awareness of the misunderstandings surrounding this early voting system, noting that when voters receive mixed messages, it contributes to their uncertainty and dissatisfaction. The handling of early voting in Pennsylvania may require significant adjustments in funding and legislative changes to facilitate a smoother process for future elections.
