[Northampton County, PA] – The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Primary Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Q: What will be on the ballot? 

A: The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting. You can view the Primary Election sample ballots for the May 19 election here: Northampton County, PA

Q: Who can vote in the Primary Election?

A: Registered Democrat and registered Republican voters in Northampton County can participate in the Primary Election.

Q: How can I check to see if I’m registered to vote?

A: You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov.

Q: Where do I vote in person?

A: To check your polling location, use our "Find Your Polling Place" tool at Northampton County, PA. If you arrive at an incorrect polling location, each precinct will have QR Codes available to help you find the correct polling place.

Q: Can I vote by paper ballot?

A: Voting by paper ballot is already available in Northampton County. If you choose to vote by a paper ballot, you may:

• Utilize Ballot-on-Demand in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042). Ballot-on-Demand will be available in the Elections Office:
• The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand will be Tuesday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
• Request a paper mail-in ballot.
• You can return mail-in ballots by mail directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center, or at one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m.

Q: Can I vote by mail?

A: Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no-excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Elections Office or at Mail-in and Absentee Ballot (pa.gov). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Q: Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?

A: There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, etc.). If you are concerned about any of these issues or have any questions, please contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov, for someone to assist you.

Q: When will mail-in ballots be sent?

A: The Elections Office began sending mail-in ballots during the last week of April. You can check the status of your ballot online at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov). You should review your mail-in ballot to make sure that it is for the proper precinct and party.

Q: I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time.

A: In order for your ballot to be counted, all ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible.

Mail-in ballots can be returned:

• By mail, no postage stamp is required. If you plan to mail your ballot, we suggest putting it in the mail early. If there is only one week prior to the election, we recommend you return your completed ballot to a drop box or the Election’s Office to make sure it is received in time to be counted.
• Directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
• At one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County (see next question). The County’s secure drop boxes were installed on April 28.

Q: Where are secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?

A: Accessing any of the below drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location. Here are the locations:

• Washington Township Municipal Building (Interior Hallway):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

• East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

• NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Election Day: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

• Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):

669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

• Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

• Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days a week

Election Day: Until 8:00 p.m.

• Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Election Day: 7:00 a.m .- 8:00 p.m.

Q: How can I ensure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”?

A: Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for you to return your mail-in ballots. Each drop-off box is a secure, locked structure that is permanently anchored in place. Northampton County drop-off boxes have been evaluated to specifically ensure they are indoors, ADA compliant, either chained or anchored in place, and under 24-hour camera/surveillance, and allow County Sheriff’s Deputies to collect the contents of the box on a daily basis. All Northampton County drop-off boxes are operated only by election officials and County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Q: What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?

A: The Elections Office reminds you to carefully follow the instructions included with your ballot. Remember to sign and date the outside of the return envelope. “Naked” ballots—those not enclosed in the inner secrecy envelope—will not be counted. 

Mail-in ballots will be accepted if:

• The ballot is enclosed in the yellow secrecy envelope and sealed.
• There are NO identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope.
• The return envelope is signed and dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes.
• The ballot is returned to a Drop Box (review the open hours above) or the Elections Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. USPS postmarks DO NOT count if received after this deadline.

If your returned mail-in ballot has any defects which are discernable without opening the return envelope (for example you failed to sign or date the outside of the return envelope), the Elections Office may contact you and give you the opportunity to come into the Elections Office and “cure” (fix) the defect. If you come into the office for this purpose, you will be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID). 

Q: What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?

A: Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. You do not need to add a stamp.

Q: How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?

A: Voters who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov) 

Q: Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

A: No. Pennsylvania state law states that voters must only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID). 

If a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them and will be asked to complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of this form can be downloaded here Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).

Q: I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls.

A: If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote on a machine, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Elections will spoil your ballot and ask you to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will you be permitted to vote on the machine. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by provisional ballot. The Elections Board will verify that you did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.

Q: What time are the polls open for the Primary Election on May 19? 

A: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. If you’re in line by 8:00 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote. 

Q: Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

A: Our voting machines have undergone extensive logic and accuracy testing. 

Q: Have any polling locations changed for this election?

A: Yes. Northampton County Election Division is implementing the redistricting plan recently approved by the Court of Common Pleas in preparation for the Primary Election. Some voters will have new polling locations and/or district names for this election. All voters are encouraged to check their polling place in advance and can do so by using the “Find Your Polling Place” tool at: Northampton County, PA.

The below existing polling locations have been changed as follows:

• Bethlehem 4 & 5– from St. John Windish Church to Bethlehem Visitor’s Center at Steel Stacks, 711 East 1st Street, Bethlehem
• Bethlehem 9 East– from Salvation Army to Liberty High School, 1115 Linden Street/ E. Fairview Street, Bethlehem
• Bethlehem 14-3– from St. Ann School to BASD Education Center, 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem
• Bethlehem 15-2– from BASD Education Center to Lincoln Elementary, 1260 Gresham Street, Bethlehem
• Easton 2– from First Presbyterian Church to Easton City Hall, 123 S. 3rd Street, Easton
• Freemansburg– from Freemansburg Municipal Bldg, 606 Monroe Street to Freemansburg Elementary, 501 Monroe Street, Easton

Q: Who should voters contact if they have problems or questions before or on Election Day?

A: The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov.