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Dear Neighbor,
It was a productive week here in central Chester County. Last weekend, Team Otten attended Caln Community Day, where we enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new neighbors as the community came together to kick off the fall season.
On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced grant funding awards for the Statewide Local Share Account Program, funded through horse racing and gaming revenues, including more than $1 million in funding for projects here in the district.
On Wednesday, I joined administrators, teachers, students, and community members in the Coatesville Area School District for the official groundbreaking for the new North Brandywine Middle School. And on Thursday, I visited Lionville Elementary School for Constitution Day, where I spoke with students about the U.S. Constitution and the importance of being engaged in our communities.
Tuesday was also National Voter Registration Day, and with less than fifty days until Election Day, I want to make sure everyone is prepared and knows where to turn for the most up-to-date election information and resources.
My team and I are continuing to prepare for a busy stretch ahead when the House returns to session on September 28. As always, our District Office team is ready and available to help you navigate state programs and community resources. If you or your family need assistance or aren’t sure who to contact for support, please reach out. We are here to help. |
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New Grants Awarded: More than $1.35 million secured for central Chester County
On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded more than $1.35 million to seven projects across central Chester County from the Statewide Local Share Account Program.
These state investments ease the burden on local taxpayers while enabling local governments to tackle some of their highest-priority needs. I appreciate the commitment of our municipal leaders, who work on behalf of their communities to identify these priorities and secure the resources to address them.
The grants include:
I am excited to help bring these grants back to the district to help our municipalities invest in safe roads, water systems and public facilities.
Click here for more details about the community projects that received funding and the statewide LSA program. |
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Getting Ready for Election Day 2026
We are less than 50 days from Election Day, and with the first batches of mail ballots being sent out by the end of September, the November 3 election is even closer than we think. This week, I wanted to share some important deadlines and reliable election resources and address a few pieces of misinformation that have been circulating online.
Two claims in particular have caused confusion. The first is about the security of mail-in voting, and the second suggests that mail-in ballots are being sent to people who did not request them. These stories have been shared widely, so I want to make sure you have clear and accurate information.
Elections in the United States are run by the states—not the federal government—and are administered by counties. County election officials work diligently with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety and security of our voting systems. Their goal is to administer elections in a way that is accurate, safe, secure, and accessible for all eligible voters.
Correcting Election Misinformation
In recent weeks, legal challenges to the mail-in voting process have created uncertainty about this option. The Pennsylvania Department of State has been clear: registered Pennsylvania voters who choose to vote by mail can still do so safely and securely.
As The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this week, the Supreme Court rejected the Trump Administration’s proposed mail ballot restrictions, allowing states to continue sending out mail ballots under the same processes they have used for years. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt recently reaffirmed that Pennsylvanians should be confident in the state’s election process and security.
In a statement reported by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Secretary Schmidt affirmed that the Department of State remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, safe, and secure election this November and to fighting any unlawful federal overreach. He emphasized that nothing has changed about Pennsylvania’s mail ballot voting laws.
Pennsylvania uses a stringent, multi-step process for Mail‑in ballots. Voters can track their ballot from the moment they request it, through the creation of the bar code, to the time it is mailed to their home, the time it is received by their county office of Voter Services, and finally when it is processed and counted. Each step includes verification procedures that protect the integrity of the ballot and ensure that only eligible voters can cast a vote.
Another concern circulating online suggests that Mail‑in ballots are being sent to people who did not request them. In Pennsylvania, counties do not send Mail‑in ballots automatically. What many people are receiving are Mail‑in ballot applications sent by third parties such as local political organizations, voting rights groups, or other civic groups. Voter registration records are public (although who you vote for is always private), so anyone can purchase a voter list that includes publicly available voter information such as name, address, party, voter history, and precinct information. Organizations may use this data to send pre-filled applications and prepaid return envelopes to encourage voters to apply for a Mail‑in ballot. These mailings are applications, not ballots. The best and safest way to apply for a Mail-in ballot is to go directly to the Department of State website, vote.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania has strong security protocols in place to protect the integrity of our elections. If you have concerns about returning a Mail-in ballot through the postal system, you can use an official drop box or vote in person. And as always, please trust the state, county, and local officials who actually run our elections. The federal government does not administer elections, set county procedures, or oversee ballot handling.
The thousands of election workers who staff the county’s drop box locations and Voter Services satellite offices and keep our polling places running on Election Day are our next-door neighbors. If you’d like to help ensure the smooth operation of your polling place on Election Day, submit an interest form to Chester County Voter Services. Poll workers are always needed, and training is provided.
For accurate and up-to-date information, rely on your county election office or vote.pa.gov, the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Important Election Dates and Deadlines
Election Resources
National Constitution Day
On September 17, we celebrate National Constitution Day and the document that established the foundation of our democracy. The opening words of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People,” remind us that democracy requires all our participation, and that every generation has a role to play in shaping the future of our country.
This year I had the pleasure of visiting Lionville Elementary School to celebrate with the students. We talked about the Constitution, our rights and responsibilities, and the importance of being engaged in our communities.
Thank you to the students and teachers for another great visit. Happy Constitution Day, Pride Nation!
Click here to watch a recap of my visit. |
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Please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net if you have questions or would like to share your thoughts on any legislative or state-related issue. |
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Upcoming Events
FREE Paper-Only Shred Event
Join Team Otten for a FREE Paper-Only Shred Event!
Bring your confidential documents to be destroyed! Each car will be limited to 4 file-size boxes. Small paper clips and staples are OK, but please no binder clips, binders, or cardboard (plan to take your boxes home with you).
The shredding event will take place in the parking lot of the North Brandywine Middle School, 256 Reeceville Rd, Coatesville, PA.
This event is first-come, first-served. When the truck is full, the event will end. All shredded paper will be recycled!
If you have any questions, please contact Rep. Otten’s district office at 484-200-8259 or email repotten@pahouse.net . |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Extended
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period has been extended through December 31, 2026. The Department of Revenue began sending rebates on July 1, so submit your application now to get your rebate as soon as possible!
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!
For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications are available in my office. |
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SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals
If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please stop by my district office, or call us to make an appointment.
My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes within Pennsylvania. Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly. |
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2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services
211 SEPA is part of the national 211 Call Centers initiative that seeks to provide health and human services for everyday needs and those in crisis situations.
2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible.
Visit 211sepa.org for more information. |
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Mental Health Resources: Call 9-8-8
Chester County residents experiencing mental-health-related crisis or distress can dial 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This system is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people in crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Chester County offers additional resources for those in crisis, including Chester County’s warm line, 1-866-846-2722, operated by Certified Peer Specialists, who are individuals in recovery with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
Chester County’s Teen Talk Line ensures seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336), and the text line is 484-362-9515.
Visit the Department of Human Services website for more information about the 988 system and other state and local mental health resources.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t give up hope, and please know that you do not need to walk this path alone. We are here and we will do whatever we can to help. |
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My staff and I are here to help make state government work better for you!
For assistance with the above programs or any other state-related services, please email repotten@pahouse.net, call 484-200-8259, contact us through my website, or visit my district office in Exton and let us know how we can help.
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District Office 631 North Pottstown Pike |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing PO Box 202155 (717) 783-5009 |
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