California and Pennsylvania Prepare for November 3 General Election

Election officials in California and Pennsylvania have begun preparations for the November 3 general election. In California, county registrars started mailing ballots to more than 23 million registered voters on October 5, while simultaneously opening early voting sites and secure drop boxes.

Election officials in both states are urging voters to submit ballots early to avoid potential delays. In Pennsylvania, voters must register by October 19 and apply for mail ballots by October 27. Pennsylvania requirements include using blue or black ink and utilizing a yellow secrecy envelope to ensure ballots are counted by the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline.

These preparations follow legal disputes over a March executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which sought to change mail voting procedures to ensure ballots were ready to count on Election Day. The Supreme Court of the United States recently ruled against the order, determining that certain changes to the mailing system could not be imposed for the midterms before a final decision is reached. As a result, the United States Postal Service will deliver ballots under standard procedures.