Pennsylvania Voting Guide
By Melissa McCall, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Kristine Tungol Cabagnot, Esq. | Last reviewed March 25, 2024
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Pennsylvania has taken many steps to make voting accessible for residents. But casting your ballot can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the local process. Familiarize yourself with the voting process in this Pennsylvania voting guide.
Voting in Pennsylvania
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, voters have many opportunities to vote for their preferred candidates in different types of elections. Pennsylvania voters vote in the following elections:
1. General elections
- Presidential elections every four years
- U.S. Senate and House elections
2. Statewide elections
- State House
- State Senate
- Midterm elections
3. Primary elections (where political parties choose their candidates)
- During voter registration, primary voters must indicate their political party affiliation (Democrat, Republican, other)
Am I Eligible to Vote in Pennsylvania?
You are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania if you are:
- A citizen of the United States of America for at least 30 days before the election
- A resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days before the election
- At least 18 years of age on Election Day
However, you are ineligible to vote in Pennsylvania if you:
- Have a felony conviction and are currently incarcerated
- Have violated the Pennsylvania Election Code within the last four years
POLLING PLACE FINDER
Where Do I Vote in Pennsylvania
For in-person voting, you can find your local polling place using the Pennsylvania Department of State Polling Place Search Tool. Depending on where you live, you can mail your absentee ballot or use a designated drop box. For mail-in ballots, you should use the return envelope.
Registering to Vote in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians have several options to register to vote. These options include registering:
In Person
Deliver the Voter Registration Application to your county board of election's office.
Online
You can register to vote online using the Pennsylvania accessible online form.
At the DMV
Register at any Department of Transportation location while applying for your Pennsylvania driver's license or permit.
By Mail
Request a mail-in ballot by sending your Voter Registration Application to your local county election office.
You can check your voter registration status on the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website's voter services section.
When is Pennsylvania's voter registration deadline?
Regardless of how you register to vote, you must register one week before the election. For online or mail-in voter registration, you must submit (postmark) your application by 5:00 pm one week before Election Day.
How do I request an absentee ballot in Pennsylvania?
Online: You can request an absentee ballot online via the Online Absentee Application website.
By Mail: You can download and mail an Application for Absentee Ballot to your local county voter registration office.
What do I need to bring to the polls in Pennsylvania?
First-time voters will need proof of voter identification. Some examples of accepted voter IDs include:
- Driver's license
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government ID
- Student ID
- Current utility bill or bank statement
If you have voted at the polls in your district before, you do not need to bring any form of ID. If, for some reason, there is an issue and your name is not on the poll book of registered voters, you can cast a provisional ballot. Election officials will count your ballot after they verify your identity.
Special Accommodations for Pennsylvania Voters
People with disabilities have a right to access their polling location and voting machines. This includes people who:
- Cannot read, write, or understand the ballot
- Have a difficult time understanding English
- Are blind or otherwise disabled
If you need assistance at the polls, you must sign an Assistance Declaration the first time you request assistance. You can request help from whomever you prefer. Additionally, you can refuse assistance if you want to do so.
What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?
If you witness illegal activity at the polls, you should report it to one of the following:
- Poll worker or election official
- Judge of elections
- District Attorney's Office (local to you)
- County Board of Elections (local to you)
- Pennsylvania Secretary of State
If you have a complaint about the polling place or its operation, you can submit it via the Department of State Election Complaint Form. You can also call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA.
Get Legal Help Voting in Pennsylvania
You have an unequivocal right to vote if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you believe your voting rights have been unjustly violated, you should speak to a civil rights attorney. They are experts in voting rights law and can give you sound legal advice.
Additional Election Information for Pennsylvania Voters
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Elections and Notaries
210 North Office Building, 401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-5280
Fax: (717) 705-0721
Email: ST-VoterReg@pa.gov
Web: https://www.votepa.gov
Pennsylvania Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
How to Register in Pennsylvania
There are several ways to register to vote in Pennsylvania. This includes registering:
At the DMV
Register at any Department of Transportation location while applying for your driver's license/permit.
Pennsylvania Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.