By Leah Perso

With the 2026 midterm election taking place next Tuesday, Nov. 3, discussions of changes to voting procedures and concerns about election security have left some voters questioning what to expect at the polls. Addressing voter concerns ranging from mail-in ballots to the security of election results, Delaware County Director of Elections Jim Allen outlined the county’s preparations to ensure a smooth voting process.

Despite the apprehensions surrounding the midterms, Allen does not expect it to be disorderly. “I don’t consider this chaotic,” he said. “Elections are like children, each one is special.” He also emphasized that Delaware County has been working tirelessly to put the proper procedures needed in place and is prepared for a solid turnout of voters.

What has changed?

One of the biggest topics circulating the news headlines has been mail-in voting. Proposed changes to Postal Service procedures have caused residents to question how their ballots will be handled. Allen talked about the importance of avoiding major changes to election procedures close to an election, which is known as the Purcell principle.

He stated that Delaware County is prepared to comply with any changes that take effect, and from a voter’s perspective, the process will remain familiar. The county also is preparing its mass mailings to abide by any applicable rules, including using distinct barcodes on outbound mail pieces and the materials inside the envelope.

For any voters who plan to use mail-in ballots, he advises this: apply early and return the ballot early. Voters should make sure that their ballot is completed correctly, including placing it in the secrecy envelope, sealing it properly, and following any instructions on the return envelope. Delaware County also provides secured ballot drop boxes for voters who choose to return their ballot that way. These drop boxes remain under 24-hour video surveillance.

Per the county’s current election website, mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The website also provides information about ballot applications, drop boxes, and voter registration.

What happens at the polls?

Many voters have expressed concerns about intimidation at polling places, which contributes to the uncertainty around voting. Allen assured that Delaware County poll workers have been trained to handle any confrontations and de-escalate situations, and that additional procedures are being incorporated into training to document incidents.

The county’s poll-worker system includes several officials at each precinct, including a Judge of Election, majority and minority inspectors, a machine operator, and a clerk. Their responsibilities include checking in voters, overseeing voting equipment and ballots, monitoring the polling place, and completing election paperwork.

Allen also stated that resources are available if a problem occurs at a polling location. Voters can contact Delaware County’s election hotline at 610-891-VOTE (8683) with any questions they may have regarding voter registration, polling places, mail-in ballots, or problems at a polling location.

Can election results be manipulated?

Another concern, stemming from disputes in past elections, is whether election results can be changed or “rigged.”

Allen explained that American elections are decentralized, with responsibility divided among states and local jurisdictions. Delaware County also uses paper ballots, which provides a physical record that can be used to verify scanner results through audits or recounts. The county says its voting system’s paper ballots provide a backstop if an audit or recount is necessary.

The process does not end when a voter inserts a ballot into a scanner. After polls close, ballots and election equipment are transported to the county election office, where additional steps are taken before results are certified. Allen said that unofficial results remain unofficial for a period after Election Day while the county completes the canvass, reviews provisional and other eligible ballots, and conducts required audits and reviews. According to Allen, any attempt at tampering with the results of the election would be “nearly impossible.”

Where does your ballot go?

The security of ballots after they leave the polling place was another major topic raised by local voters and members of the League of Women Voters during an election forum with Allen.

Allen described a chain-of-custody process in which poll workers secure election material before they leave the polling location. Delaware County has also added additional public visibility to part of this process. The county says encrypted voting-system memory devices, known as vDrives, are placed in tamper-evident envelopes that poll workers sign across. They are then transported to the central counting location, where the envelopes are opened in front of authorized observers and under camera surveillance.

At the end of the process, the election return board is responsible for making sure the numbers add up. This includes accounting for ballots supplied, ballots cast, and voters who participated, as well as reviewing provisional ballots and other ballots that require additional evaluation.

Should voters be worried?

County election officials emphasize that there are no concerning procedural changes heading into the 2026 election. Instead, the county has highlighted the procedures Delaware County has in place to respond to voter concerns if needed.

For voters, Allen’s advice was simple: be prepared and don’t wait until the last minute. Voters can check their registration, learn where they should go to vote, apply early if they want to vote by mail, and make sure they understand how to.

For those who are still skeptical about the conduct of elections, Allen suggested that they participate in the process. Delaware County is recruiting and training poll workers for the 2026 election, giving residents a paid opportunity to see firsthand how polling places operate and how ballots are handled.

The county’s election system may face questions and changes, but voters do not have to navigate them alone. Information about registration, polling locations, mail-in ballots, drop boxes, and any other resources are available through Delaware County’s official election website and hotline.

Photography by Javier Bennett