Election 2024: What Berks voters need to know before heading to the polls
Voters across Berks County will head to the polls Tuesday.
They will select their choice for president, U.S. senator, several state row offices, representative in Congress, half of all state Senate seats and all seats in the state House.
Here's what voters need to know before heading to the polls.
Where to vote?
Each voter is assigned to a specific polling place. Voters unsure of where to go can look up their polling place by visiting the county election services website.
When to vote?
Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
When you arrive, you will check in with the poll workers.
Then, you will cast your vote using a machine called a ballot marking device.
Do I need to show ID at the polls?
No, unless it's your first time voting at a new polling place. If it's your first time voting at a new location, you must bring a form of identification. Registered first-time voters who do not bring ID to the polls can return with identification or must be offered a provisional ballot.
Who is on the ballot?
Voters can check out the sample ballot for their voting precinct by visiting the county election services website or by checking out this candidate guide the Reading Eagle compiled.
Can I bring my mail ballot to the polls?
Mail ballots will not be accepted at any polling location. All absentee and mail ballots must be placed in an official ballot drop box at the Berks County Services Center in downtown Reading, the Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township or the Berks County South Campus in Mohnton, or turned in to the county election services office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
What if I signed up for a mail ballot but want to vote at the polls?
Go to your assigned polling place. If you have the mail ballot, you will need to surrender the ballot and its envelopes to the judge of elections to be voided in order to vote on a voting machine. If you misplaced the mail ballot, you will need to tell the judge of elections and they will give you a provisional ballot to fill out.
What voters may/may not bring?
Voters cannot bring campaign signs or distribute materials within 10 feet of a polling place entrance.
Voters legally allowed to carry firearms may do so unless the polling place is in a location where guns are prohibited, such as a school.
Voter intimidation
It's illegal to harass, threaten, discriminate against or get aggressive with voters inside or outside polling places. Such behavior should be reported to the county elections office and district attorney. Voters can also contact the state elections office at 877-868-3772.
Questions or issues
If you suspect voting rules are being violated, report it to the judge of elections at your polling location. You can also report it to the Pennsylvania Department of State through its election complaint form or contact the county election office directly at 610-478-6490.
