Pennsylvania Voting Guide

Voting in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has taken many steps to make voting accessible for residents, but casting your ballot can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with how it all works. Familiarize yourself with the voting process in this Pennsylvania voter guide. If you experience trouble while attempting to vote and can’t resolve it yourself, contact an experienced civil rights attorney.

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
• A resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days before the election
• At least 18 years of age on Election Day

You cannot cast a legal vote in Pennsylvania if you:

• Have a felony conviction and are currently incarcerated
• Have violated the Pennsylvania Election Code within the last four years

Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on election days. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you will be permitted to vote.

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 vote by mail with your absentee ballot or use a designated drop box. As per Act 88, passed in 2022, each county is limited to one drop box location unless the box is open to all voters and is under video surveillance.

For vote-by-mail ballots, you should use the return envelope provided.

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 elections office
• Online: 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 (effective September 2023, Pennsylvania adopted “Automated Voter Registration” at all PennDOT centers)
• 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.

Pennsylvania’s Voter Registration Deadline

Regardless of how you register to vote, you must register at least 15 days before the election. For online or mail-in voter registration, you must submit (postmark) your application by 5:00 pm 15 days before Election Day.

How To Request an Absentee Ballot in Pennsylvania

There are two ways to get an absentee ballot for voting in Pennsylvania. You can either request an absentee ballot online via the Online Absentee Application website or 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?

If you are voting at the polls in your district for the first time, you will need to bring and present proof of identification. Some examples of accepted 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. There’s always a slight chance that a mistake was made and your name isn’t in the poll book of registered voters. If this happens, you can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted after your identity has been verified by the state government.

Pennsylvania’s voting laws also allow voters to bring any notes or materials they need to help remember who they wish to vote for when they arrive at the polling place.

Accommodations for Pennsylvania Voters With Disabilities

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 meet the above criteria, you have the right to request assistance from the person of your choice when casting your ballot. In addition to ensuring that you have access to assistance when casting your ballot, state law also requires that all polling places be accessible to people with disabilities.

Important Rights Voters Have at the Ballot Box

All eligible voters in Pennsylvania have certain voting rights. These rights include, but are not limited to, the following:

• You can still vote if you’re in line at the polling place at closing time
• You have the right to cast a secret ballot without observation or interference
• You have the right to cast your ballot for any candidates, regardless of their political party
• You have the right to vote by mail without proving a reason
• You have the right to request a new ballot if you make a mistake on your first ballot

If you believe someone has violated any of these rights, you should notify your local election officials. You should also contact a local civil rights attorney.

What To Do if You Observe Voter Interference or Intimidation

All voters in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have the right to cast their ballot without interference or intimidation. If you experience this sort of behavior or witness interference or intimidation at the polling center, speak up.

There are red flags you should be aware of come election day. These can include a polling place volunteer or election official interfering with a voter’s right to cast their ballot or intimidating a first-time voter. Other instances of voter intimidation and interference include:

• Armed protesters loitering outside a polling place
• Demonstrators swarming voters as they arrive at a polling center or drop box
• Outsiders pressuring voters with political pamphlets and literature
• People following voters from their cars
• Volunteers inside the polling center making it difficult for voters to cast their ballots

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
• Your local district attorney’s office
• Your local County Board of Elections
• The 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.

A Civil Rights Attorney Can Help

Elections are designed to ensure the voice of the people is heard, with a fair process that doesn’t favor Republicans or Democrats. You have an unequivocal right to vote if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you believe your voting rights have been unjustly violated, speak to a civil rights attorney. They are experts in voting rights law and can give you sound legal advice.

Additional Voting 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 Voter Information

Whether it’s a general election, a primary election, or a local election, your vote matters. Take the time to learn how and when to vote. Visit the links below for more election information and specific details about upcoming elections.