WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — If you plan to vote in person today, expect some company. Voters in Luzerne and other counties are reporting long lines at the polls.
There were lines outside Marts Center at Wilkes University on Tuesday morning. The polling place opened at 7 a.m. and a line was out the door for most of the morning.
Before heading to your polling place the Department of State recommends you check your voter registration status. If you are not registered it is too late to vote in this election cycle.
If it is your first time voting and you are registered and plan to vote in person you need to bring a form of ID such as a driver’s license or a passport to your polling location.
According to the Department of State, about 81 percent of mail-in ballots have been returned in Pennsylvania as of Monday morning.
Voters reporting issues at Luzerne County polling places
That means thousands have yet to return their ballots to county election offices. More than two million mail-in ballot applications were approved in PA.
If you are using a mail-in ballot, it must be dropped off at your county Board of Elections by 8 p.m. tonight. Remember, you must be the one to drop off your ballot unless you have a disability and the person dropping it off for you has the documentation to do so.
At Wilkes University young voters spoke about the early high turnout at the polls.
"I wanted to be early because you know, we have classes and stuff, but I think it’s just important to get out and vote, especially kids my age, your vote is your voice and that’s how we as people are heard," said Maddie Belk, Wilkes-Barre.
"I think it’s super awesome just because Pennsylvania is such a crucial state to win in this election, so I feel like everybody wants to be part of a historical decision," said William Siejan, Wilkes-Barre.
To help the lines at the polls it is helpful for voters to know in advance which ward they fall under. At the Marts Center at Wilkes University, both wards 12 and 13 are split into two lines causing some confusion for voters.
You can find all the information as to which polling place you should be voting at and which ward at the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
