So far, 2020 has been a year of many changes, and change often comes with challenges.

The Era spoke with Lisa Pratt, McKean County director of elections, to find out how staff and poll workers are dealing with recent changes.

With the coronavirus pandemic still playing in the background, it’s no surprise there would be an increase of mail-in ballots across the nation. Pratt reported there was a total of 3,277 absentee/mail-in ballots mailed during the primary. In contrast, as of Tuesday, the office had 3,624 absentee/mail-in ballots in the system, with more waiting to be processed.

The Voter Registration and Elections office is currently abuzz with activity, as the office started processing ballots this week. The office is additionally dealing with a higher volume of calls of people asking everything from how to return ballots to questions about whether polling places will be open on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Pratt said that ballots can be returned via mail or directly to the office at the McKean County Courthouse.

“Each voter must bring her own ballot if returned in person,” she further explained.

Pratt also emphasized that all of the regular polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day. She will be meeting with poll workers starting Oct. 12 to conduct training and update them on all the current changes.

Lastly, those eager to see the outcome of the races may have to hold on to their seats a little longer this year, as she added that they will “not have everything counted on Election Day.”