The election is nearly one week away, and many are preparing to or already have cast their votes.
However, some Cambria County residents say that they’re facing issues with their mail-in ballots.
Some community members explained that they were able to complete and send out their mail-in ballots but have been told they were never delivered. Meanwhile, others said that after making a request, they still haven’t received their ballots.
“At this point, I am totally frustrated. This is a very important election and people should be able to have their voice heard.”
That’s what one Cambria County resident said she’s feeling after experiencing major issues with her mail-in ballot. Deborah Hornick said that since putting her completed ballot in the mailbox on the 15th, she’s been receiving alerts that say the ballot was not sent in. She said she’s contacted the post office, as well as the Cambria County Election Office, which told her that her ballot was not delivered.
“The Cambria County ballot office, they’re very good. They’re trying really hard to try to figure out how I can vote. But we’re on the last week,” said Hornick.
Another Cambria County resident who wanted to remain anonymous said that he and his wife never received their ballots. After contacting the post office, election office, and county commissioners, he said that he was finally able to get his ballot mailed a week later.
“The election office indicated that many people were having the same issue. Ballots were supposedly sent and never returned, and people were calling in saying ballots were never received.”
We’ve reached out to a United States Postal Service representative, who says he’s diligently working to investigate the issues. Cambria County elections officials said in a statement that they are urging all residents that have not received their ballots to contact their office immediately.
Hornick said, “These are the citizens that are most vulnerable. These are the ones that want their voice heard. So, what’s happening to our ballots?”
It’s still unclear what’s leading to all this confusion. If you’re experiencing these issues, you can call the Cambria County Elections Office at 814-472-1460.