ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh County provided an update following the clerical error that resulted in the initial batch of mail ballots for the May 2026 primary being generated off of the county’s May 2025 active mail-in voter file.

While the majority of ballots are not affected by this error, some voters did receive ineligible ballots. County officials have taken swift action to correct the error and engage affected voters to ensure they understand how they can cast their ballot in the upcoming primary, according to a press release from the county.

The county says it will provide regular updates on this matter between now and Election Day.

“This error is on us, and we own it. This was an honest and undeniably human mistake, and we are moving quickly to engage all affected voters,” said Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel. “Every eligible voter is going to get the chance to cast their ballot and ensure their voice is heard. It’s also important to understand that Pennsylvania law has safeguards in place to ensure any ineligible ballots are quickly identified and rejected during the pre-canvass. We regret the confusion this error has caused voters, but our team is well-positioned to administer a smooth and secure election next week.”

“We’re committed to providing regular updates so that everyone- from voters to members of the media – understand both how eligible residents can vote, and how we administer this election. Once the primary is behind us, we’ll conduct a full audit of how this error occurred, and we’ll share out what we’ll do differently moving forward so it doesn’t happen again,” said Chief Clerk of Elections Michael Paston.

The error impacted a limited number of mail ballots from the initial batch that was issued to voters. The majority of those mail ballots have no issues, but there are four categories of voters impacted according to the release:

Category 2: Voters who moved and did not initially receive a ballot at their current address.

To address this error, voters received 2026 primary ballots to their current address.

286 total number of voters affected

Category 3: Ballots issued to voters who requested a mail ballot in 2025 but have subsequently passed away.

To address this error, these mail ballots have been canceled.

approx.50 total number of voters affected

Category 4: Ballots issued to voters who requested a mail ballot in the 2025 primary but did not request a mail ballot for the 2026 primary.

To address this error, voters have been contacted with options for voting.

4,175 total number of voters affected

Officials say safeguards already in place under Pennsylvania law will identify and reject any invalid ballot.

The county’s dedicated voter hotline is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Election Day at 610-782-3194. You can find updated information at www.LehighCounty.org.

If you believe you may have been affected and have not yet been contacted, call 610-782-3194.

Lehigh County says they will provide another update on May 13th.