Lancaster City Officials Ensure Smooth Mail-in Voting Process

Lancaster City, October 8, 2025

News Summary

Lancaster City officials are implementing measures to enhance voter participation in the upcoming election, addressing concerns about low mail-in ballot return rates. With only 60% of requested mail-in ballots returned as of May, officials emphasize using email alerts for ballot status updates. Additionally, residents are reminded of critical deadlines for mail-in ballots, with the November election approaching. The elections office will extend its hours and encourages early ballot drop-off. Changes to polling locations have been announced, reinforcing the importance of every vote in local races.

Lancaster City officials are taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth mail-in ballot process for the upcoming November 4 general municipal election, despite concerns over low voter turnout. As of May 20, 2025, only about 16,700 of the requested mail-in ballots had been returned, representing a 60% return rate, which is significantly lower than the typical 75-80% seen in previous elections.

According to the Lancaster County elections office, the first mail-in ballots were sent to voters this week. Voters can receive updates on the status of their submitted mail-in ballots by providing an email address during the application process. However, officials clarify that alerts will only be sent via email and not by text message—a correction made after an earlier misunderstanding where elections director Christa Miller noted text alerts as an option.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that counties must inform voters about flagged ballots that contain clerical errors. The Lancaster County elections office has been actively recording mail-in ballot statuses and any issues noted by workers. Providing an email address during the application process is the best way for voters to ensure they receive these updates, according to Matt Heckel, a spokesman for the Department of State. However, the mail-in ballot application forms do not mention the alert system, which could cause confusion among voters regarding their status.

For voters wishing to check their ballot status, it is possible to manually do so via the state’s online ballot tracker. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot for the November 4 election is October 28, with in-person applications available at the Lancaster County elections office starting October 14.

Officials reported that as of May 20, 30,767 county voters had requested mail-in ballots, broken down into 17,754 Democrats, 9,494 Republicans, and 3,519 independents or third-party voters. The elections office will extend its hours, remaining open until 8 p.m. on October 30 and until 6 p.m. on October 31, while also offering hours on November 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters are encouraged to drop off mail-in ballots at the elections office, especially if they receive them near Election Day or wait until the last minute to fill them out. Importantly, only voters can drop off their own ballots, unless they possess a completed Designated Agent form.

Anticipated changes to polling locations have been announced for several areas, including Rapho Township, East Earl Township, and Manor Township, with details provided regarding previous and new locations. High voter participation is urgently highlighted by election officials, as every vote is vital in local races. Polls will remain open until 8 p.m., allowing individuals in line at that time to still cast their ballots.

Election Key Dates:

• Mail-in ballot application deadline: October 28
• Mail-in ballot application in-person available: Beginning October 14
• Elections Office hours: Open until 8 p.m. on October 30, and 6 p.m. on October 31
• Open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on November 1
• Election Day: November 4

Voter Statistics:

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Additional Resources

• Lancaster Online: Voters Must Provide Email for Ballot Alerts
• FOX43: Lancaster County Primary Low Voter Turnout
• WGAL: Mail-In Ballot Application Deadline
• PoliticsPA: Court Rules on Mail-In Ballots
• Wikipedia: Elections in the United States

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