Carbon County is gearing up for the presidential election next month and will be mailing out ballots next week, officials said.

On Thursday, the county commissioners spoke briefly about the upcoming election, including on mail-in ballots and how the county election office is gearing up with its preparations.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that if you requested a mail-in ballot, don’t wait to return it once you receive it. Fill it out and send it back either via mail or by dropping it off at the election office in Jim Thorpe.

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko urged people that didn’t request a mail-in ballot to get out to the polls and cast their votes on Nov. 5.

On Friday, Jennifer Ketchledge, director of elections, said that she expects her office to send out the mail-in ballots to those who requested them early next week.

A total of 5,524 requests have been made for thee ballots.

She said that the office should be receiving the ballots from the printer over the weekend or on Monday, and will be working on them as soon as they are received.

Ketchledge stressed that the county has not yet mailed the ballots, noting that third parties have been sending voters postcards and texts reminding them to return their ballots or that they aren’t registered anymore.

She said that these are not coming from the county and reminds residents that if you have a question regarding your registration or ballots, to contact her office.

As for the preparation for the upcoming general election, Ketchledge said everything is on point.

The logistic and accuracy testing of the machines was completed and “everything passed with flying colors,” she said. “Our machines are up to par. Everything is hooked up and ready to go.”

Voters who wish to cast a ballot on Election Day but have not yet registered can register until Oct. 21. Voters wishing to request a mail-in ballot have until Oct. 29.

For those who request a mail-in ballot and choose to vote in-person on Nov. 5, you must bring the unfilled ballot, as well as all materials such as envelopes that came with it, with you to your precinct. If not, you will have to vote via a provisional ballot.

In related election matters, the county approved an engagement letter with Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir PC, of State College, to represent the county in the case involving New PA Project Education Fund, et al. vs. Al Schmidt, et al.

This is the second case in two weeks that the county has hired the firm to represent it regarding cases about mail-in ballots that have been misdated or included missing dates from the voter.

This case states that the dates on the return envelopes on mail-in ballots should not have to be completed to be counted.