2008 News

October 28, 2008

 “Voting 101:” Bucks County Commissioners, Board of Elections Offer A Primer for Nov. 4 General Election

Bucks Votes LogoWith one week remaining before the November 4 General Election, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq., Charles H. Martin and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW – who double as the county Board of Elections – are offering helpful tips for the anticipated large volume of voter turnout at the county’s 304 voting districts.

“An informed electorate is an efficient electorate,” Chairman Cawley noted. “We urge the public to take advantage of the many opportunities to educate themselves about the process prior to arriving at the polls.”

There are multiple ways to learn more about voting in Bucks County, in person, through printed materials, and via the Internet. In the interest of maximizing public education, the commissioners present the following questions and answers in advance of the Election Day:

Q: How do I confirm where I vote?
A: To search for the location of your polling place, you may access either the county Web site, www.BucksCounty.org, visit the Pennsylvania Web site, https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx or refer to the county’s “Special Election Guide” newsletter, which lists all 304 polling places by address.

Q: What kind of identification (ID) is acceptable, and who must show it?
A:  All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
  • ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
  • ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Armed Forces ID
  • Student ID
  • Employee ID

If you do not possess a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:

  • Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
  • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
  • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Current paycheck
  • Government check

Q: How can I find out how to use the county’s electronic voting machines?
A: Detailed voting machine instructions are included in the Special Election guide newsletter. An instructional voting video is available on www.BucksCounty.org.  In addition, voting machine demonstrations are available on the second floor of the Bucks County Courthouse (55 E. Court St., Doylestown, PA 18901), at the   Lower Bucks Government Services Center (7321 New Falls Rd., Levittown, PA 19055) and at the Upper Bucks Government Services Center (261 California Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951).

Q: How can I view my ballot ahead of time?
A: Sample ballots for each legislative district are available on the county Web site,             www.BucksCounty.org

Q: How can I avoid lines at the polls?
A: The county will employ over 100 additional machines to help minimize lines. When possible, voters are encouraged to visit their polls between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Polling place hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Q: How can I reach the Board of Elections if I have any questions?
A: Call 215-348-6154.