By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Pennsylvania voters, planning to use an absentee ballot, are running out of time to complete the process. Absentee voters are being advised to apply for their ballot right away.

Absentee ballots must be received by county election officials by November 2nd, in order to be counted. So voters need to act immediately to complete the two-part mailing process in time. First, voters must pick up or download an application for an absentee ballot and mail it in. Then election officials will mail back the actual ballot that the voter must complete and mail in.

Philadelphia City Commissioner Stephanie Singer recommends an alternative. If you’re in town now, but will be away Election Day, you can fill out your absentee ballot in person and hand it in.

“That’s the best way to make sure your absentee ballot is going to reach us.”

In Philadelphia, you do that at the Board of Elections in City Hall. Bucks County takes them at the courthouse. Montgomery and Chester Counties takes them at Voter Services in the county office buildings. Delaware County takes them at the election bureau.