READING, Pa. – On Thursday morning, the Berks County Director of Elections reported to the Elections Board that mail-in and absentee ballots have been delayed because of their printing vendor, located near State College.

Following the issue, Election Director Anne Norton says she received notice from the printer that ballots in the first batch of data election services sent are anticipated to be mailed by the end of the day Thursday.

“This is still a delay as to when we initially thought they would be mailed, and the delay is due to an envelope supply issue that the printer had, which kind of stemmed from uncertainty with the United States Postal Service decision,” Norton said.

The director advised voters who need their ballots sooner due to special circumstances to contact election services to discuss options.

“Voters can still count on receiving an e-mail from the Department of State when the ballots are mailed,” Norton said.

“When we get that confirmation, voters will know that their ballots are on the way,” she added.

All three drop boxes in Berks County are scheduled to open on October 19.

Concerning the mailed ballots, Norton said once data is sent to the printer, the county cannot have voters removed if they change their minds about receiving a mail-in ballot.

“So, if they do want to vote in person, we just encourage them to bring their ballot to the polling place on Election Day, surrender it to the poll workers,” she said.

County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said he is not happy with the printer’s delay and said he is not personally convinced the excuse is legitimate.

“From my perspective, I’d like to have a discussion about a possible new Pennsylvania-based vendor, when we’ll look into all this after the election passes,” Leinbach said.

Voters may request a mail-in ballot through Oct. 27.

County Commissioner and board chairman Michael S. Rivera said the county has been receiving calls about law enforcement, ICE, and who is permitted to be at polling places on Election Day.

“The county is reminding voters that Pennsylvania and federal law places strict limits on the presence of law enforcement officers at and around polling places,” Rivera said.  

“Under Pennsylvania’s election code, police officers and other law enforcement officers generally may not be within 100 feet of a polling place during an election unless they are in the act of voting, serving warrants, called upon to control the disturbance, or the polling place is in a police station,” he explained.

“Additionally, with limited exception, federal law enforcement officials and the US military personnel should not be at polling places, unless they are in the act of voting. Pennsylvania law constables and deputy constables may be present at polling places for the purpose of preserving the peace,” Rivera said.

Rivera clarified that the 100-foot distance is defined from the polling place and not necessarily the building where the polls are located.

“We just want to make sure that people feel safe at their polling locations, do not feel intimidated, and know what should and should not go on at polling places,” Rivera remarked.

Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. said there has been lots of confusion that’s been caused by officials in Washington D.C., which he said is unfortunate.

“I encourage people to make sure that they get out and vote, make sure you get to the polls or do your mail-in ballots, because that’s the important part,” Santoni said.

Deborah George of Exeter Township says she has concerns about ICE agents being at the polls.

“I’m happy that you’re thinking of this, but I’m still nervous we get conflicting messages. 100 feet from the polls protects the polls, but it doesn’t protect that person who’s afraid to leave their house to go vote,” George explained.

“So even if you can keep law enforcement away from the polls, I’m concerned about ICE or even just the rumor of the presence of ICE intimidating people,” she added.

Jeff Wolfe of Brecknock Township, who is a weekly commenter at the board meetings, said citizen voters should not have anything to fear.

“My recommendation is that the commissioners should coordinate countrywide with law enforcement to have a rapid response to any such drama that might occur at or near the polls,” Wolfe said. 

In other business, the board approved two polling place changes for the November 3 election.

In Reading’s 12th Ward, Precinct 3, the location will move to the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, 722 Mulberry Street, from the previous location at Grace Bible Fellowship Church on Hampden Boulevard.

In Shoemakersville First Precinct, the location will move to the Shoemakersville Borough Office, 846 Main Street, from the previous location at Perry Elementary School.