Primary election 2023: What you need to know before you head to the polls

Voters across Berks County will head to the polls Tuesday.

They will help decide who will win party nominations for seats on the state appellate courts, local judicial positions, municipal boards and councils, school boards and some county row offices.

Pennsylvania operates a closed primary — meaning only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans will receive a ballot to select nominees to represent their party in the general election.

Here’s what voters need to know before heading to the polls:

Where to vote

Each voter is assigned to a specific polling place. Voters unsure of where to go can look up their polling place by visiting the county election services website.

When to vote

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Who is on the ballot

Voters can check out the sample ballot for their voting precinct by visiting the county election services website or by checking out this candidate guide the Reading Eagle compiled.

Can I bring my mail ballot to the polls

Mail ballots will not be accepted at any polling location. All absentee and no-excuse mail ballots must be placed in an official ballot drop box at the Berks County Services Center in downtown Reading or Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township, or turned in to the county election services office by 8 p.m. on election day.

What voters may/may not bring

Voters cannot bring campaign signs or distribute materials within 10 feet of a polling place entrance.

They may wear political apparel as long as they don’t draw attention to it.

Voters legally allowed to carry firearms may do so unless the polling place is in a location where guns are prohibited, such as a school.

Voter intimidation

It’s illegal to harass, threaten, discriminate against or get aggressive with voters inside or outside polling places. Such behavior should be reported to the county elections office and district attorney. Voters can also contact the state elections office at 877-868-3772.

Questions or issues

Call the state elections office at 877-868-3772 or the county elections office at 610-478-6490.

Source: Berkshire mont