Statement From LWVPA On Spanish Language Ballot Error In Berks County

This month, mail-in ballot instructions sent to Berks County residents contained a critical error: voters received Spanish instructions for mail-in ballots with an incorrect Election Day date. The ballots contained instructions in two languages, English on one side and Spanish on the other. The Spanish side lists the deadline to return ballots as November 18, which is incorrect. The correct date is by 8 p.m. on November 2. The return date is correct in the English instructions.

As Reported in the Reading Eagle on October 21, Berks County commissioners have taken full responsibility for this error, and we thank them. However, errors of this magnitude have consequences. In this case, the error affects thousands of voters. The County promises to send letters to all affected voters, and while we support this, but this may not be enough and in time to reach everyone.

We urge the Berks County commissioners to take all possible measures to reach voters to correct this misinformation, including through social media, traditional media, and public service announcements. We are also calling for an independent investigation to find out why this error happened, and to put processes in place to prevent it from happening again.

We stand in solidarity with Spanish speaking voters throughout Berks County. This error cannot be forgotten, because it affects the rights of citizens to vote. Whether the mistake was intentional or not, errors like this should never affect Berks County’s elections.

Every voter deserves equal access to the ballot box, including access to accurate information about the legal process of voting.

Dr. Terrie Griffin
President, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh PA

Ms. Wenda Kincaid
President, League of Women Voters of Berks County
Hamburg, PA

Ms. Jennifer Hanf
Director, Equity Initiative, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania
Centre Township, PA