The director of the Schuylkill County Election office says they are “nearing the end” of collecting mail-in ballots.

Deadline to accept mail-in ballots is Oct. 27.

The election is Nov. 3.

As of Wednesday, Albert Gricoski, director, said “close to 10,000” have been sent out since Oct. 5. He estimated 17,000 to 18,000 have been requested. An exact number was not available.

“We are still processing everyday,” Gricoski said.

He asked voters for understanding considering the volume.

Gricoski said “the phone is going constantly” with people asking about their ballot.

When answering the phone, employees will ask their name and check if their ballot has been processed. Voters can also leave a message on the answering machine with their information for a return call.

“Please be patient with us,” Gricoski said.

Residents can also check the status of their application at Pennsylvania Department of State website, pavoterservices.gov.

A table is in the hallway of the building where voters can get election information, request and fill out mail-in and absentee ballots.

Gricoski showed the process that happens when the county receives the ballots, which includes entering the applications and checking information.

As the process moves forward, the ballots and envelopes are prepared.

Each envelope gets a ballot, instructions and security envelope and official ballot envelope.

Marybeth Matz, an election rover, did that job Wednesday, one she enjoys doing.

“I’m just happy to make others happy because we are getting them (the ballots) ready to go out in the mail.”

She even had a BAND-AID covering her finger because of a papercut.

“We just keep filling the bins up. We just keep going,” she said.

Gricoski said the office is ready for the big day.

“We are going to make sure that day we have a safe and secure election. Everything is checked and double checked,” he said.