The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— November 1, 2024 (145th edition) ——

With the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election only days away, Delaware County Elections is sharing the following reminders for voters...

Delaware County Voters Reminded to Avoid Legal Flaws on Mail/Absentee Ballots 

Final reminder! Mail/absentee ballots must be properly completed, sealed, signed, and dated to be counted.

The Bureau of Elections is required to review all mail/absentee envelopes. Any mail/absentee ballot that contains a legal “flaw” will be disqualified under state law. Such flaws include unsigned, undated, improperly dated, unsealed outer envelopes, or “naked” ballots where the voter did not use the yellow secrecy envelope.

Mail/Absentee envelopes with legal flaws are segregated and cannot be counted.

The Bureau continues to notify voters of flawed ballot envelopes as they are received, and will continue to do so through Election Day. Outreach is conducted by phone and email, and provides voters with an option to “cure” their flawed ballot.

To cure, or fix their legally flawed ballot, voters must visit a Voter Service Center (VSC) to obtain a replacement ballot or cast a provisional ballot at their precinct on Election Day.

Voter Service Center Locations and Hours

• Government Center: 201 W. Front St., in Media. Open Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; and 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day.
• Chester City Hall: 1 E. Fourth St., in Chester. Open Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; and closed Election Day.
• Upper Darby Township Administration Building: 100 Garrett Rd., in Upper Darby. Open Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; and closed Election Day.
• Chester Heights Polling Office: 53 W. Baltimore Pike, in Chester Heights. Open Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; and closed Election Day.

To clarify, the Upper Darby, Chester, and Chester Heights Voter Service Centers will be open Sat., Nov. 2, from 9:00 AM - 12 Noon, and Mon., Nov. 4, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and will be closed on Election Day. Only the Delaware County Government Center Voter Service Center in Media will be open on Election Day to assist voters with replacement ballots and in-person polling location assistance.

Properly Completing a Mail/Absentee Ballot

Reminder! Mailed ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.

• Marking the Ballot: Voters should use blue or black ink and fill in the box next to each selection. Never use the write-in space for any candidate whose name already is listed for that office/contest.
• Sealing the Ballot: Completed ballots must be placed inside the yellow secrecy envelope (marked "Ballot Return Envelope"). That yellow envelope then must be placed into the purple-and-white return envelope.
• Signing and Dating the Ballot: Voters must sign and correctly date (with today’s date) the purple-and-white return envelope.
• Returning the Ballot: Voters can return their ballots using any of the County’s drop boxes (open until 8:00 PM on Election Day, except for Chadds Ford, which closes at 4:00 PM).

Voters who have not yet returned their mail or absentee ballot are strongly encouraged to avoid using the United States Postal Service after October 31.

In the final days leading up to the November 5 election, using any of the County’s 37 ballot drop boxes is the only way to ensure your ballot arrives by the Tuesday, November 5, 8:00 PM deadline. Please note, postmarks do not matter; ballots must be received by the Bureau of Elections by the deadline to be counted.

Checking the Status of a Mail/Absentee Ballot

Voters who requested a mail/absentee ballot before the 5:00 p.m. Tues., Oct. 29 deadline and have yet to receive their ballot can check the status on the PA Department of State’s Election Ballot Status website at DelcoPA.Gov/Ballot-Tracker. If there is no record of a mail/absentee ballot, voters are advised to call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE, visit a Voter Service Center in-person, or go to their precinct polling place on Election Day.

Voters who requested and returned their mail/absentee ballot but are concerned that they may have returned a flawed ballot, should check the Election Ballot Status tracker. If the status shows "RECORD – BALLOT RETURNED," it means the envelope was received without apparent flaws and will be processed. If the status indicates a flawed ballot, voters should visit a Voter Service Center or contact the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE.

Voters Who Requested a Mail/Absentee Ballot But Plan To Vote In-Person on Election Day

It’s anticipated that some voters who requested a mail/absentee ballot may still choose to vote in person on Election Day.

Voters who have received a mail/absentee ballot but decide to vote in person can do so. Those who bring their mail/absentee materials to the polling place on Election Day will be able to exchange their mail/absentee ballot for a regular Election Day ballot.

For those who do not bring their mail/absentee materials—whether they’ve lost, forgotten, or never received them—a Provisional Ballot will be provided. Provisional Ballots will be counted as long as the Bureau does not receive their completed mail/absentee ballot, or the ballot is received but is legally flawed.

Final Polling Places

Delaware County Elections has finalized the list of polling places for next week’s Nov. 5, 2024 General Election. In total, Delaware County’s voters from 428 precincts will vote at approximately 250 unique polling places, with many locations serving as a polling place for multiple precincts.

Voters may locate their polling place on the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/PollingPlace. Polling places can be accessed through a look-up tool, and 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.

While a small number of polling places change from election to election due to feedback from the community, construction, and other reasons, the majority of polling places typically remain unchanged. A total of just 3 polling places for the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election have changed since the April 2024 primary. Polling-place change notices were mailed to voters in these precincts.

• Chester City 1-2 & 1-8: Moved to Stetser Elementary School, 808 E 17th St, Chester 
• Chester City 2-4 & 5-2: Moved to Guy C. Long Inc., 700 E 9th St, Chester
• Chester Township 2: Returned to Chester Township Fire Co., 2410 Concord Rd, Chester

Additionally, re-districting of all precincts in Radnor Township was completed this summer. Three mailings were completed in September and October to alert all Radnor Township voters of their polling places, whether or not the voter’s precinct or polling place changed.

Sample Ballots

Voters are encouraged to review a sample ballot for their precinct before voting. Voters may bring notes with their picks to help simplify voting. Sample ballots are at DelcoPA.Gov/Sample.

First Time Voters

First-time voters are required to show appropriate ID. A list of all acceptable forms of ID can be found at DelcoPA.Gov/ID.

Pre-Canvassing and Canvassing

Under the Pennsylvania Election Code, the County Board of Elections is charged with the duty to review the mail-in and absentee ballots that have been timely returned, determine which ballots may be counted under the applicable rules, and count those ballots that are determined to be valid. This process is referred to as the canvass. The portion that takes place before the polls close on Election Day is referred to as the pre-canvass.

The pre-canvass and canvass for ballots cast in Delaware County will be taking place in the Wharf building where the Delaware County Elections office is located, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester PA. The pre-canvass will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Election Day and will continue until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, at which point it converts into the canvass. The canvass will continue around the clock until complete. The pre-canvass and canvass are performed by Delaware County Elections staff, who will be working in shifts.

Delaware County Elections expects unofficial results will begin to be posted after polls have closed at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, and will continue to be updated as ballots are counted, including provisional, military, and overseas ballots.

Election Day Issues

Voters who have concerns regarding voting irregularities can call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE (8683).

Voters who witness what they believe to be criminal activity are asked to call the Delaware County District Attorney’s Election Tip Line at (610) 891-4242. All tips related to possible criminal activity will be referred to the Criminal Investigation Division.

Emergency Absentee Ballots

Emergency status is determined for voters who must vote by absentee ballot because of a disability or absence from their municipality that was not and could not have been known prior to the Tuesday before the election (which is the deadline to apply for a regular absentee or mail-in ballot).

Emergency Absentee Ballot Applications are available at all Delaware County Voter Service Centers and online.

Emergency Absentee Ballot Applications should be submitted to the County Board of Elections at the Voter Service Center in the Government Center Annex of the Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W. Front Street, Media.

The deadline to submit an Emergency Absentee Ballot Application is 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Mail-in/Absentee Ballot Tracker

Delaware County has launched a mail/absentee ballot tracking tool to enhance transparency. This tool, available on the election results web page at DelcoPA.Gov/Results, provides near-real-time updates on ballot activity. It shows the total number of ballots sent out and received, including breakdowns of how mail-in/absentee ballots were returned—by USPS mail, at the drop box at the Government Center in Media, PA, or at any of the 36 community drop boxes located in dozens of municipalities across the County. 

“This new tool increases transparency by providing a pre-election, pre-canvass view of the total number of mail-in and absentee ballots sent out and those returned by voters—whether through USPS, the Government Center drop box, or one of the secure community drop boxes,” said James P. Allen, Director of Elections for Delaware County.

As of Friday, November 1, a total of 92,664 mail/absentee ballots have been sent to voters, and 76,785 have been returned. This total includes 41,176 ballots returned by standard USPS mail, 10,946 ballots returned to the Government Center ballot drop box in Media, and 24,663 ballots returned through the 36 community ballot drop boxes located in municipalities across the county.

The totals will be refreshed frequently until all valid mail-in and absentee ballots cast for the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election are processed. This includes military and overseas absentee ballots, which must be submitted for delivery by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 4 and received by the Bureau of Elections no later than 5:00 p.m. one week after Election Day.

Livestreaming Election Night

For a transparent view of the election process, 10 cameras will provide live streams of the election facility throughout the election process. This stream, recorded directly from the Bureau of Elections ballot processing facility, allows residents to observe as dedicated Delaware County Elections staff work to ensure every vote is counted. The live feed offers a behind-the-scenes look at ballot pre-canvassing and canvassing processing, providing continuous updates and insight into the County’s commitment to a fair and transparent election.

To view the livestreams, visit the Livestream web page on the Delco Votes! website.

Special Rules for Military and Overseas Voters

• Military and Federal Absentee Voters: Ballots must be postmarked by 11:59 PM on Monday, November 4 and received by the Bureau of Elections by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, November 12.
• Overseas Voters: Applications are accepted through Tuesday, October 29, with ballots required to be postmarked by 11:59 PM on Monday, November 4 and received by Tuesday, November 12.

Election Results

Delaware County residents can access unofficial election results for the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election on Election Night after polls close at 8:00 p.m. Unofficial results will be posted online at DelcoPA.gov/Results as votes are tallied, including those from mail-in, absentee, and in-person ballots, with updates continuing through the counting of provisional and military ballots.

Results are deemed official only upon certification by the Pennsylvania Department of State, typically completed a few weeks after Election Day.

Election Campaign Sign Recycling Drop Off Event Scheduled for November 8 and 9 at Rose Tree Park

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, and the Delaware County Bureau of Elections will be holding an Election Campaign Sign Recycling Drop Off on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 at Rose Tree Park (near the Parks & Rec Office, adjacent to the music pavilion) in Media.

Delaware County residents, candidates and committees are encouraged to collect their yard signs and signs from public areas and take advantage of the free recycling event that eliminates tons of recyclable materials from entering the waste stream. During the last three election cycles, Delaware County has diverted thousands of pounds of plastic and metal from the waste stream.

“The Delaware County Office of Sustainability is thrilled to bring back the Campaign Sign Recycling program for our residents,” said Rebecca Yurkovich of the Office of Sustainability. “We aim to make this initiative a valued part of the community’s post-election tradition, helping residents recycle responsibly. Programs like these play a vital role in preserving our environment and keeping Delaware County beautiful.”

All campaign signs (plastic-coated, cardboard, and vinyl signs) and accompanying metal stands will be accepted free-of-charge, and all collected materials will be recycled. Non-election signs, such as those provided by roofers, landscapers, and tree maintenance companies to advertise their services after completion of a job are also eligible to be recycled. 

• Fri., Nov. 8, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Sat., Nov. 9, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: Rose Tree Park 1671 N. Providence Road Media, PA 19063 | Map

Please note that signs do NOT need to be dismantled for collection. We hope to see you there!

Over 3,000 pounds of signs are expected to be diverted from the waste stream at this event!

For more election information, visit the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote. It provides sample ballots, drop box locations, polling site details, downloadable forms, and recordings of Board of Elections meetings.

Active Members and Veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps Invited to Join Flag Raising on November 8

Active members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Veterans, and their families are invited to join County officials in the raising of the U.S. Marine Corps flag on Friday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Courthouse located at 201 W. Front Street in Media. The flag will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex.

The flag will be raised to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps which was established on November 10, 1775. The flag raising is being held on November 8 rather than November 10 since the Courthouse will be closed on Sunday November 10. 

Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active members of the military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings. The Army flag was raised in June, the Coast Guard flag was raised in August, the Air Force flag was raised in September, and the Navy flag was raised in October to commemorate the anniversaries. The U.S. Marine flag will be the last Armed Forces flag raised this year.

Council expresses deep gratitude to those who have served or are serving in the military protecting and defending our country.

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), in collaboration with Keystone First, has expanded the offerings available at its "Test and Go" kiosks to include essential new testing options for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with tests for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. Launched just over a month ago, these kiosks—conveniently located in Media, Upper Darby, and Yeadon—provide residents with private, accessible health testing options.

This expansion builds on the DCHD and Keystone First’s commitment to making essential health resources easily available to the community.

Simplicity and Privacy

Using the kiosks is simple and private: Visit one of the three kiosk locations, collect a test kit, take it home to conduct the test, and return the sample to the kiosk. This approach offers residents a discreet option for managing personal health needs. Each location has been carefully chosen to support health equity by increasing access to critical health services across Delaware County.

“Our goal with the 'Test and Go' kiosks is to make essential health services as accessible and private as possible for all Delaware County residents,” said Delaware County Health Department Interim Director Lora Werner. “By adding sexual health testing options, we’re providing a critical resource to help residents monitor their health and take proactive steps in a safe, convenient way. We hope this expansion empowers our community to stay informed and healthy.”

A Range of Free Testing Options

In addition to the new sexual health tests, the kiosks offer a range of high-quality testing options, including a PCR respiratory panel for COVID-19 and Flu A/B, with results available within 24-48 hours via secure email or text.

Free rapid COVID-19 home (antigen) tests are also available, with RSV testing set to be added in late November.

Other Health Materials Available

Beyond testing, the kiosks serve as a hub for public health resources, providing residents with free access to Narcan, fentanyl test strips, condoms, feminine hygiene products, and first aid kits.

The expansion of the Delaware County "Test and Go" Kiosks reflects our commitment to delivering accessible, comprehensive public health resources that empower residents to take control of their health. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient community.

For more information, contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us, or visit the DCHD website at DelcoPA.Gov/Health.

Delaware County Council will hold its first Preliminary Agenda Meeting of November on Monday, November 4, at 1:00 p.m., a change from the usual Tuesday schedule, to accommodate the November 5, 2024, General Election.

Preliminary Agenda Meetings provide County Council, government representatives, and the public with updates on matters of discussion pertaining to County Government, serving as preparation for agenda items to be voted upon at the Regular Public Meeting.

The Regular Public Meeting on Wednesday, November 6, remains unaffected, and is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. During Regular Public Meetings, Council members discuss County activities, issue reports and resolutions, and vote on administrative matters including contracts, purchases, and amendments to the County code.

Both meetings will be held in the County Council Public Meeting Room, located on the 1st floor of the Government Center at 201 W. Front St. in Media, and will be streamed live on the County’s website. Public comments are welcomed in person.

Visit DelcoPA.gov/Meetings to watch the livestream, review agendas in advance, or view recordings of past meetings.

Delaware County Council is delighted to extend warm wishes to all who celebrated Diwali this week, the cherished Festival of Lights observed by hundreds of millions worldwide, especially within Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and some Buddhist communities. This festival, rich in tradition and meaning, celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Diwali, which spans several days, is a time for family and friends to come together, honoring customs that have been passed down for generations. Homes and communities are adorned with vibrant decorations, colorful rangolis, and the glow of oil lamps, or diyas, symbolizing joy, renewal, and the promise of brighter days. Festive meals, music, and fireworks add to the spirit, creating an atmosphere of warmth, celebration, and connection.

Whether celebrated quietly at home or as part of larger gatherings with family and friends, Diwali offers a moment for reflection, gratitude, and unity. The themes of Diwali—renewal, light, and the triumph of good—resonate with all of us, reminding us of the importance of community, compassion, and kindness.

As we reflect on Diwali’s inspiring message, we send our best wishes to everyone who observed this special holiday in Delaware County and beyond. May this season bring you joy, prosperity, and peace.

From all of us at Delaware County Council, we hope your Diwali was filled with light, unity, and happiness!

Save the Date! Media's Annual Veterans Day Parade to be Held Monday, November 11

Delaware County residents are invited to the annual Veterans Day Parade in Media on Monday, November 11. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. outside the Media Theatre and will proceed down State Street, concluding with a ceremony in front of the County Courthouse.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Master Sgt. Tanya Harris, Benefits Coordinator and Veterans Service Officer for the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The Veterans Day Parade is a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to honor the sacrifices and bravery of our veterans. Free parking will be available at the County Lot at Front and Orange Streets, opening at 8:00 a.m.

We hope to see you there!

Come show your support for our Veterans!

The County of Delaware Services Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), in partnership with the PA Department of Aging and Senior Community Services, is offering the nationally recognized Diabetes Self-Management Program for adults aged 60 and older who have diabetes, prediabetes, or care for someone with diabetes.

The program will be held on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Friendship Circle Senior Center, 1515 Lansdowne Avenue, Darby, PA, beginning November 4 and running weekly through December 9.

The CDC’s 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report highlights that diabetes prevalence rises with age, affecting 29.2% of U.S. adults aged 65 and over, and notes that nearly half of adults in this age group have prediabetes. Alarmingly, 23% of adults go undiagnosed. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored diabetes as a major risk factor, with nearly 4 in 10 adults who died from COVID-19 having diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization, people with diabetes can lead long, healthy lives if their condition is properly managed. For those with diabetes or prediabetes, now is the perfect time to take control and become a proactive self-manager. COSA’s Diabetes Self-Management Program is a powerful tool to help.

This proven, evidence-based program, developed at Stanford University, is internationally recognized for empowering people with diabetes to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The American Diabetes Association identifies it as a key support program within the Diabetes Support Initiative.

Thanks to COSA, the program is offered FREE of charge, but class size is limited, and registration is required. To register, contact Annemarie Wallace at awallace@scs-delco.org or call (610) 237-6222. Please provide your name, address, phone number, and email.

Delaware County is excited to host its first Career Fair of 2024 on Friday, November 22, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon, located at 125 Chester Ave., in Yeadon, PA.

More than just a hiring event, the fair is an opportunity for Delaware County residents to explore potential careers that offer fulfillment and the chance to contribute meaningfully to our community. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the County Recruitment Team to discuss open positions and gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resumes and skills to help determine the best fit for available positions.

A wide range of Delaware County departments will be participating, actively seeking dedicated individuals for various full-time positions. Departments and offices include the Delaware County Department of Human Services, our Health Department, Human Resources, Information Technology, COSA, District Justice, the Office of Judicial Support, Delaware County Court Administration, the County Sheriff’s Department, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Park Police, Facilities, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and the Register of Wills. 

Bring Your Resume

We encourage attendees to bring their resumes and be prepared for the possibility of on-the-spot interviews. This is a unique chance to make a personal connection with our Recruitment Team, learn about the roles that may intrigue you, and even receive immediate feedback on how your skills and experiences align with the County’s needs. 

Over 100 Positions Open

Whether you're a seasoned professional or entering the workforce, the County has opportunities that cater to a broad spectrum of skills and interests, with full-time positions including: Senior Project Manager, County Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Register of Wills Deputy, Community Health Worker, Performance Management Specialist, General Clerk, Senior Financial Clerk, Recruiter, Paralegal (HR), Benefits Coordinator, Human Resources Specialist, CYS Social Worker, Telecommunications Technician, Network Supervisor, Community Planner, Case Aide, CYS Caseworker, Receptionist, Receipts Clerk, Deputy Sheriff, Patrolman, Law Clerk, Correctional Officer, RN Unit Manager (Day Shift), RNs, LPNs and Nurses (Fair Acres), Groundskeeper, Disease Investigation Specialist, Community Engagement Specialist, Support Service Coordinator, Court Information Officer, and more!

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement.

Optional Registration or Apply Today Online

To pre-register (optional) for the Nov. 22 Career Fair, click here, or scan the QR code in the image below.

We hope to see you at the November 22 Career Fair, but job seekers are invited to visit our job listings today and apply immediately for any open position. For more details about the career fair, a full listing of available positions, and to apply online, please visit our website at DelcoPA.Gov/Jobs. Our door is always open to talent eager to make a difference!

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