Allegheny County leaders are once again expanding options for voters who want to use a mail-in ballot in this year’s primary elections. The county Elections Division will operate four satellite locations and 10 ballot return sites in the lead-up to the May primary, offering voters two ways to ensure they get their ballots in before Election Day.
“I’m pleased we can continue to make elections accessible for all voters through satellite offices and ballot return sites,” County Executive Sara Innamorato said in a statement.
Ballot-return sites simply offer a place for voters who have completed a mail-in ballot to return it without relying on the mail. The sites will be staffed: They are not drop-boxes. Satellite locations offer more services, including the ability to apply for, receive, and complete a mail-in ballot all in one visit.
The county first employed the sites during the 2020 election, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted typical voting procedures. Innamorato restarted the program last year as part of a push to expand voter services, giving residents multiple ways to return mail-in ballots for the spring primary and the November elections.
More than 25,000 voters used the alternate return locations in last year’s general election, according to the Innamorato administration.
The county executive is the chair of the three-member Board of Elections, which voted unanimously Monday to approve the proposal.
Voters can apply for and immediately cast their mail-in ballot at any of the four satellite locations on Saturday, May 10 or Sunday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The satellite locations will be:
- CCAC Homewood; 701 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh 15208
- North Park Ice Rink; 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford 15090
- South Park Ice Rink; 30 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park 15102
- County Office Building; 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15219
Those who already received a mail-in ballot can return it to one of 10 staffed drop-off locations around the county on Friday May 16 through Monday, May 19 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The return sites will be:
- 911 Center; 150 Hookstown Grade Rd, Moon Twp 15108
- Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge; 901 Centerview Dr, Plum 15239
- Carnegie Public Library; 5801 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15217
- North Park Ice Rink; 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford 15090
- South Park Ice Rink; 30 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park 15102
- Dormont Pool; 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh 15216
- CCAC Homewood; 701 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh 15208
- Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank; 1 N. Linden St, Duquesne 15110
- Avalon Public Library; 317 S. Home Ave, Pittsburgh 15202
- County Office Building; 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15219
Voters must return their own ballot or complete an authorization form to turn in a ballot for someone who is physically unable to do so.
May 5 is the last day to register to vote. The deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is May 13. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Primary Day, May 20.
