Accomplishments over the past year include:

• Conducting a massive response to COVID-19, providing thousands of tests and vaccinations, offering financial support for businesses, and rental assistance and utility assistance to residents who were struggling;
• Opening a County Health Department;
• Implementing far-reaching government reform – ranging from ethics reform, to creating a new HR system, to putting more services online;
• Assuming full operational control of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility from the GEO Group, a national for-profit operator of prisons;
• Developing a targeted plan for sustainability in Delaware County;
• Expanding open space; and
• Running fair, transparent, and most importantly, accountable elections in one of the most heavily contested elections in our history.

These achievements are happening at the same time that Delaware County is strengthening its financial position. Last year’s budget did not include a tax hike, and the County is spending less money in this year’s budget than in the previous year’s budget. Reserves are up and so is the County's bond rating.

All of these accomplishments are designed to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, or visits Delaware County.

Delaware County Council, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, County Controller Joanne Phillips, and Register of Wills Rachel Ezzell Berry were honored to join members of law enforcement from across the county at Rose Tree Park to pay tribute to the County’s fallen officers during the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation's annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this solemn ceremony that pays tribute to members of law enforcement from across Delaware County who died in the line of duty. The fallen officers are honored with a plaque placed on the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial wall—a permanent memorial at Rose Tree Park that serves as a place for honor, reflection, remembrance, and comfort to the families, friends, and colleagues who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. 

In 2022, we remember and honor the 46 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community, including the three officers added to the memorial wall this year. 

• Chester Police Officer Brownelle Barrett-Lee
• Delaware County Park Police Superintendent Scott Mahoney
• Haverford Township Police Officer Sergeant Kevin Redding

Delaware County thanks Sgt. Henry O'Neill, President of the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and all the members of the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation for holding this annual Day of Remembrance, and we commend all members of law enforcement for their bravery and dedication in protecting and serving the residents of Delaware County.

Tuesday, May 17 is Election Day! Polls will open at all 250 polling locations at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. 

Reminder Regarding Pennsylvania Primaries 

There are only partisan contests on the 2022 Primary ballots, with no referenda questions. By law, that means that only voters already registered with the Democratic or Republican parties will be allowed to vote their respective party’s primary ballot. Voters who are registered as independents or with third parties will not receive a ballot during this election.

Sample Ballots 

Delaware County voters may review the sample ballot that is specific to their precinct and party by visiting the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/sample.

Where to Vote In-Person

Voters can locate their polling place on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/pollingplace. Polling places can be accessed through a look-up tool, an interactive map, and a list (available as a downloadable PDF). As a reminder, by law, voters must go to their designated polling location to vote in-person on election day.

Don't Mail Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot Close to Election Day 

Ballots mailed through the US Postal Service this close to Election Day may not be processed by USPS and delivered to the County by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 17. Ballots delivered after 8 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of the postmark date, will not be counted.

Delaware County Elections advises voters who have not yet completed and returned their vote-by-mail ballot (either a mail-in ballot or absentee ballot) to return their ballot at any of the approximately 40 ballot drop boxes located throughout Delaware County or in-person at the Voter Service Center, located on the ground floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media. The Voter Service Center is open on Sat., May 14, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Mon., May 16, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Tue., May 17, from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Returning Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot at a Secured Ballot Drop Box

Delaware County voters may return their vote-by-mail ballots at any of the approximately 40 secured drop boxes located in municipalities across the County.

Ballot drop boxes are located at safe, secure, ADA-compliant locations and are under 24/7 video surveillance. Ballot drop boxes are large white metal receptacles, similar in size to a USPS mailbox, and clearly marked with the wording “Official Ballot Drop Box” and “Delaware County Board of Elections.” These drop boxes are designed for only one use: the return of vote-by-mail ballots by Delaware County voters in the weeks before Election Day. Postage is not required to return a Delaware County vote-by-mail ballot.

A list of drop box locations (and hours of operation) was included with the vote-by-mail ballots mailed by the County, and drop box locations are also accessible on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox. Most ballot drop boxes are open 24/7 through Election Day (Chadds Ford, Ridley Park, and the Government Center Building in Media have limited hours). 

The deadline for voters to return their vote-by-mail ballots at the Voter Service Center or an official Delaware County ballot drop box is 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, May 17. Ballots sent by USPS must also be received by the County by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day—postmarks will not be honored.

Don't Return Vote-by-Mail Ballots for Friends and Family!

Voters are reminded that they can return only their own ballot. Voters cannot return ballots for spouses, family members, or other individuals—unless an official ‘3rd Party Delivery Form’ (formerly called the “Authorize a Designated Agent to Help You Obtain and/or Return Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot”) has been submitted and approved by the PA Department of State. Voters who attempt to return ballots on behalf of other voters without authorization will be referred to the Delaware County District Attorney for investigation.

Don't Vote Naked!

Voters who are casting a vote-by-mail ballot must mark their ballots in blue or black ink. Once the ballot has been completed, voters should place the ballot into the smaller of the two envelopes (marked Official Ballot Envelope), seal that envelope, and then place that into the larger pre-paid return envelope. Ballots returned without the Official Ballot Envelope are called "Naked Ballots" and cannot be counted.

Voters must also complete the voter declaration section on the exterior of the return envelope, being sure to include their signature, printed name, address, and date. Incomplete or inaccurate voter information may disqualify the ballot.

Military/Overseas Ballots

Military and overseas voters must complete their ballot and submit it for delivery by mail no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day before Election Day. The Bureau of Elections must receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots no later than 5:00 p.m. one week after Election Day.

Our Election Hotline

Delaware County Elections maintains an Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE.

The hotline is staffed by trained employees prepared to answer Delaware County residents' questions and provide a variety of services, and is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The Election Hotline will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. - 12 midnight.

Our Delco Votes! Website

For more election information, voters are reminded that the Delaware County’s election website — Delco Votes! — provides news, sample ballots, ballot drop box locations, polling location information, access to downloadable and online forms, livestreams and recordings of Board of Elections meetings, and more at delcopa.gov/vote.

Click to watch the 2022 Heritage Commission Preservation Award video on YouTube

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, May is recognized as National Preservation Month. Throughout the month, local preservation groups, historical societies, and business and civic associations participate by holding events that promote the social and economic benefits of preserving historic places and celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country.

Members of the Delaware County Planning Department, the Heritage Commission, local municipalities, historical societies, and individuals from the community are dedicated to preserving and honoring the historic sites throughout our County. The Heritage Commission’s mission is to oversee the rich heritage of Delaware County and to support those organizations within the County that are promoting and preserving the County’s cultural legacy.

Visit the Heritage Commission of Delaware County website for more information.

This week it was announced that Delaware County will receive $650,000 in federal Community Project Funding to be used to establish Mobile Crisis Teams that pair mental health professionals with law enforcement to respond quickly and appropriately to mental health emergencies. These Mobile Crisis Teams will help both our community members suffering from mental illness and our over-burdened police forces.

“Delaware County Council is thrilled that Congresswoman Scanlon has secured funding for this new program, and that our Delaware County first responders will now have this new tool at their disposal,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “When a resident suffers from mental illness or experiences a mental health crisis, their safety and the safety of the community often requires a very specific and special skill set which this program provides.” 

Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer added, “By embedding mental health professionals with our officers, we stand to better ensure positive outcomes, improve trust, and strengthen our community.”  

Thank you, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon for securing the funding and to the mental health advocates, and members of local law enforcement who took time to share their feedback and ideas for the program.

This weekend, Delaware County is hosting a Spring Job Fair at Chester City Hall, located at 1 East 4th Street in Chester.

The job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15.

The County has a large number of open positions and is actively hiring staff for multiple departments, including the 911 Center, Bureau of Elections, Central Purchasing, County Courthouse, Fair Acres, George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Health Department, Human Services, IT/Information Technology, Juvenile Justice Services, Medical Examiner’s Office, Park Police, Planning Department, Public Works, and the Sheriff’s Department.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the Recruitment Team to discuss open positions to gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resume and skill set to determine if they are a candidate for that position (or give recommendations for different positions that might be a better match).

Interested applicants are advised to bring copies of their resume and will have the opportunity to apply in person during the fair. On-site interviews may be held for qualified attendees. 

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Internship opportunities also exist. Interested individuals can also review open positions and apply online at delcopa.gov/jobs.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website