2008 News

April 18, 2008

Bucks County Board of Elections Offers Reminders to Voters as Primary Day Approaches

With General Primary Day approaching next Tuesday, April 22, Bucks County Board of Elections Director Deena Dean reminds voters of a few details that can ensure a smooth experience at the polls.

“I encourage all voters who haven’t used the county’s new machines yet to either watch our instructional video or actually test out the voting machine,” Dean noted.  There are several ways to learn to use the machines.

  • Go to www.BucksCounty.org, click on the Bucks Votes icon and scroll down to the second link, Bucks Votes instructional video to view the video.
  • Visit the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown during normal business hours to view the video and then participate in a demonstration.
  • Tune in to Comcast Channel 96 during programming to view the video (weekdays noon to 1 p.m.., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. to midnight; weekends 7  to 11 p.m.) 
  • Visit the Lower Bucks Government Services Center, Levittown, during normal business hours to participate in a demonstration.
  • Go to www.BucksCounty.org, click on the Bucks Votes icon and scroll down to the first link to view or print a voting guide.
  • All polling places will have copies of the guide, which features step-by-step instructions, as well as county libraries.

Dean also reminds the public that all voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification.  Approved forms of photo identification include:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
  • ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
  • ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Armed Forces ID
  • Student ID
  • Employee ID

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address.  Approved forms of non-photo identification include:

  • Voter ID card issued by the voter registration commission
  • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
  • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Current paycheck
  • Government check

Voters who are registered in a particular party can only vote in their party’s primary in Pennsylvania.  The registration date has passed and therefore only registered voters will be allowed to vote in Tuesday’s Primary.

“The absolute most important thing that all eligible voters should remember is to vote!” urged Board of Elections Chairman Charley Martin.

The Board of Elections can be contacted at 215-348-6154.