05/27/2026
To clarify some of the changes in voting locations...
Election changes are coming from the Chester County Independent
As the county continues to struggle financially, the budget committee is considering all options to reduce costs. During their April 7 meeting, the Chester County Budget Committee voted unanimously to request that the Election Commission reduce the number of voting precincts from 10 to seven due to a lack of available funding for elections. On April 13, the Election Commission met and after much discussion, made the difficult decision to accept the proposal.
The closures and consolidations will impact approximately 2,800 voters in the 1-6 Harmony, 2-1 Beech Springs, 2-2 Friendship and 3-6 Deanburg precinct areas. Voters that have previously voted at Harmony will now be voting at the Sweetlips Community Center. Deanburg voters will be voting at the Montezuma Community Center. Both the Beech Springs and Friendship precincts will be closing. All of the Second District voters will now be voting at The Laurel. Voters impacted by the change will be receiving new wallet cards that indicate their new precinct name and address. No voters will be changing districts, only their voting location.
This was not an easy decision to make but without funding, it is impossible to maintain all of the precincts we have had. Voters who may find the new polling locations to be less convenient are reminded that Early Voting will continue to be available as well as Absentee Voting. However, if they wait until Election Day, voters must cast their ballot in their assigned polling location. The Election Office is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
State Redistricting
Most have probably heard about the redistricting for the U.S. House that was recently passed. That did not affect anyone in Chester County. Our county will continue to be in U.S. House District 8. Those running for the seat currently occupied by Rep. David Kustoff will be on the State & Federal Primary Ballot in the August 6, 2026, election.
August Election
There has also been considerable confusion among voters about the May and August elections. This is not surprising since our county has not regularly held local primary elections. The May election was a local primary. The purpose of that election was to determine who would be on the August ballot. The top Republican and Democratic vote getters move on to the August ballot along with any Independent candidates that have qualified. It is very important that voters understand that even though they voted for their preferred candidates in May, they need to vote again in the August election which will determine our local leadership for the next four years. City of Henderson voters will see 3 alderman positions on the ballot and City of Enville voters will see mayor and 5 alderman positions on the ballot as well.
In addition to the local general election, the State & Federal Primaries will take place on August 6, 2026. Offices that will be on the primary ballots include Governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate. When voters go to the polls to vote, they will be asked which of the three ballots they want to receive. They can choose to only vote in the local general election, they can choose to vote in the local general election and the Republican Primary, or they can choose to vote in the local general election and the Democratic Primary. Regardless of which party’s primary a voter chooses to participate in; they will receive the local general ballot which will include Republican, Democratic, and Independent candidates.
The election process can be very confusing. Especially considering all the changes that are taking place. Don’t let that keep you away from the polls! The Election Commission is here to answer questions and clarify the process. Please do not hesitate to contact the Election office for assistance. For those wishing to vote in the August election, the registration deadline is July 7, 2026.
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