We're monitoring election changes related to COVID-19 and making updates to the information below as quickly as possible. Please check back frequently to make sure you have the most up-to-date details.
Last update: Feb 17, 2021
Who can vote
- be a citizen of the United States at least one month before the next election
- be a resident of Pennsylvania and your election district at least 30 days before the election
- be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election
- You may also register if you:
- are a pretrial detainee, confined in a penal institution awaiting trial on charges of a felony or a misdemeanor
- got released or will get released by the date of the next election from a correctional facility or halfway house (this must be upon completion of the term of incarceration for conviction of a misdemeanor or a felony)
- are on probation or released on parole
- are under house arrest (home confinement)
- You can find more information on voting rights restoration here
Online voter registration
- 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 register by mail to vote.
By-mail voter registration
Use the Pennsylvania voter registration form
You can register to vote using the Pennsylvania voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely. Send the completed form to your local election official
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: You must supply your Pennsylvania driver's license number, if you have one. If you do not have a driver's license number, you must supply the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, please write "NONE" in the box.
- 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.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: You are requested by the Federal Voting Rights Act to fill in this box.
- Review the "Who can vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election official
- 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: A current and valid photo identification or A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.
In-person voter registration
Due to COVID-19, in-person services may have limited availability. Contact your local election office to confirm. See CDC guidance on safe in-person registration and voting.
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Department of State for Pennsylvania or contacting your local election official.
Election Day registration
Get step-by-step help
Military and overseas voters
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your election official.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. .
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
- 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.
Check your voter registration status
Election contact information for Pennsylvania
Address:
Department of State
210 North Office Building, 401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone Number:
(717) 787-5280
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