Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:31 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:10 a.m. UTC
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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What key changes should voters know about?
Due to a court order on November 1, mail ballots with undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes will be segregated. Voters must date their mail ballot outer return envelopes in the correct location.
Learn more by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State's website or contacting your local election office.
Learn more by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State's website or contacting your local election office.
Summary
Pennsylvania allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person on Election Day. Pennsylvania offers early voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Pennsylvania's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Pennsylvania does offer in-person mail-in voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person mail ballot voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting early at your local election office or other designated location may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted at your polling place before, you don't need to show ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter, or if you moved within Pennsylvania and are voting for the first time at a new polling place, you must show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card
- ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- US passport
- US military ID
- student ID
- employee ID
- confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
- non-photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- firearm permit
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a government check that includes your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Pennsylvania’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Pennsylvania does offer early voting, which in Pennsylvania is called in-person mail ballot voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person mail ballot voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting early at your local election office or other designated location may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted at your polling place before, you don't need to show ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter, or if you moved within Pennsylvania and are voting for the first time at a new polling place, you must show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card
- ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- US passport
- US military ID
- student ID
- employee ID
- confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
- non-photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- firearm permit
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a government check that includes your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
How do I vote by mail?
Key Changes
Due to a court ruling on November 1, mail ballots with undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes will not be counted. Voters must date their mail ballot outer return envelopes in the correct location. (Learn more by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State's website or contacting your local election office.)
How do I vote by mail?
In Pennsylvania, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot. Remember to include the date on your ballot and return envelope. Learn more about completing and returning your mail ballot from the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Pennsylvania’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Pennsylvania does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- Pennsylvania General Election : Nov 7
Recent Elections
How do I see what's on my ballot?
Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- 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.
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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.