‘It’s our duty to vote’: Voter enthusiasm high in Northampton County as residents cast ballots diligently | Election Central

BUSHKILL TWP., Pa. – The clock is ticking to cast your ballot before the polls close at 8p.m. on Tuesday.

On a windy November 4th Election Day, Pennsylvania voters were busy visiting their local polling places.

69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle traveled to a few locations in Northampton County on Tuesday afternoon to check in with voters.

“It’s our duty to vote. I mean, a lot of countries don’t have that right, so that’s why I’m here today,” said Tony Bernardo of Nazareth.

The county has more than 150 locations, open and buzzing with voters hoping to make their voices heard.

With only hours left to cast his ballot, Bernardo was headed to St. John’s UCC Nazareth.

“I mean, people have fought and died for this, including my father, in different wars. So it’s important that we do this,” Bernardo said.

Matthew Bartlett was also walking into St. John UCC Nazareth, with a similar mission.

“I need to vote,” said Bartlett.

“Why do you feel like it’s important?” asked Genelle.

“It’s the little bit of control that we have over our system,” said Bartlett.

Over at Bushkill Township Elementary School, a crowded parking lot is not unusual.

“There’s a pretty long line in there,” said Lois Burgi of Bushkill Township, who just finished casting her ballot.

“A lot of people are here, but looking around, I mean, it’s not many young people,” said Sean Cleary who was walking into the school. “My generation really needs to get out and get the vote. I mean, whatever happens, happens. As long as I’m making my voice heard. That’s all I can do.”

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said there is an increased voter turnout this year, particularly in Forks and Hanover Townships.

“We’re really encouraged so far about how things were going. There were a few machine glitches throughout the throughout the county, but nothing out of the ordinary. They were all resolved,” said McClure. “We’re just glad that people are turning out because these elections are so important.”

In Lehigh County, election officials said the voting process was moving smoothly, with only one location opening later than expected.

In Chester County, voter services officials found an issue with their poll books.

“It just puts doubt into, you know, will my vote be counted?” said a Chester County voter.

Officials said precincts did not include the names of the voters registered with third parties. Supplemental books were sent to the county’s more than 200 polling locations.

We’re told all registered voters in Chester County choosing to vote in-person have been able to cast their ballots, including those voting provisionally.

All polling places in Pennsylvania and beyond close at 8p.m. That includes mail in ballots, which must be submitted to the Elections Division by the same deadline.