How to register to vote in Pennsylvania

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Summary

Pennsylvania offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Pennsylvania by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Pennsylvania you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next election
  • be a resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the election
  • be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election

Can I register to vote online?

  • Pennsylvania offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: If you have a Pennsylvania ID, you can complete the voter registration process online. Your signature on file at PennDOT will be sent to your county voter registration office and become part of your voter record. If you do not provide a PennDOT number or if PennDOT cannot verify the information you enter on the form, you can upload a digital image of your signature to submit with the voter registration application form. If you don't have a Pennsylvania ID, and are unable to upload a signature, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Pennsylvania, you are required to provide your PennDOT ID number if you have one. If you have not been issued a Pennsylvania ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write “NONE” in the identification number box.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Pennsylvania requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: You are requested by the Federal Voting Rights Act to fill in this box.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Pennsylvania does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

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How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Pennsylvania. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Pennsylvania's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Pennsylvania, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Department of State oversees elections and election administration in Pennsylvania. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.