How to Vote in the 2021 Lehigh County General Election

Lehigh County's elections for mayor, city council, school board, district justices, constables and other offices are approaching, with options to vote safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

• Your absentee or mail-in ballot application must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26.

• Polls are open on Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Absentee and mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 in order to be counted.

How do I register to vote?

The registration deadline for the Nov. 2 election closed on Oct. 18.

How can I get a mail-in or absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Your mail-in or absentee ballot application must be received (not just postmarked) by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26, and your ballot must be received (not just postmarked) by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2. Absentee ballots are for voters who are overseas or cannot vote in person for some other reason.  Mail-in ballots are for anyone who would prefer to vote from home. You do not need an excuse to vote via mail-in ballot. You can apply to vote absentee or by mail at votespa.com. Or you can print the application and mail it in. Or visit the Voter Registration Office and fill out an application in person.

When is Election Day? When are the polls open?

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your local polling place using the Lehigh County Polling Place Finder.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Pennsylvania doesn’t formally offer early in-person voting, but you can go to the local elections office and fill out a mail-in ballot application. You can then complete and hand in your ballot on site.

Do I need identification to vote?

If you are planning to vote at a polling place for the first time, you must show valid identification, like a driver’s license, U.S. passport or current utility bill. A full list of acceptable identification is on the Votes PA website.

What is being done to make polling places safe from the coronavirus?

Poll workers will be given personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer. Lehigh County officials recommends that those with coronavirus-related concerns vote via mail. There will be social distancing in polling places and masks are recommended. Poll workers will be given personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer.

This guide, published on March 29, was updated on Oct. 26 to reflect that the registration window has closed.

Also of Interest:

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and volunteer opportunities at local.aarp.org/allentown