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.

FIND OUT WHERE TO VOTE

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.

REGISTER TO VOTE

ELECTION DATES

ABSENTEE BALLOT

When is Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline?

Regardless of how you choose to register to vote, you must register one week prior to the election. If you are voting online or by mail, your application must be submitted/postmarked no later than 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?

If you are voting at the polls in your district for the first time, you will need to bring and present some 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. 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, which will be counted after your identity has been verified by the state government.

What special accommodations are available?

You have a right to access the polls, regardless of your ability/disability. You are entitled to assistance at the polling place if you:

• Cannot read, write, or understand the ballot
• Have a difficult time understanding English
• Are blind or otherwise disabled

If you do need assistance at the polls, you will be required to sign an Assistance Declaration the first time you request assistance. You can request assistance 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 an election worker, your District Attorney’s Office, and the local County Board of Elections. If you have a complaint about the polling place or its operation, you can submit a complaint via the Department of State Election Complaint Form.

If you believe your voting rights have been violated, you may want to consider contacting an experienced legal professional who specializes in voting law.