County urges early mail‑ballot requests as public raises procedural questions about 2024 ballot handling

Vice Chair Ruther used his remarks on Sept. 16 to urge residents — particularly college students and those traveling — to request mail‑in ballots early and to return ballots via county drop boxes, noting the county will open drop boxes earlier for the election and expand voter services center hours. "The most effective way to return ballots is going to be through the county drop boxes," he said while listing the county's guidance and hours.

During public comment, a speaker referenced a July 16 Department of Homeland Security review and raised procedural questions about the 2024 general election, saying roughly 14,000 Delaware County mail‑in voter records were marked 'not verified' on election day and later became verified before ballots were counted. The commenter cited section 12.23 of the Pennsylvania Election Code — "No ballot which is so marked as to be capable of identification shall be counted" — and asked county staff to explain how ballot secrecy and pending status were preserved. Council did not provide an explanation during the meeting and offered to make staff available to assist speakers after the session.